Do I Need a Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for a 2018 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed
Question:
Need to install hitch in Ford F-150 with 5 1/2 bed do you recommend a slide hitch for this short bed for backing purposes
asked by: Tim G
Expert Reply:
The best 5th wheel hitch I have for your 2018 Ford F-150 is the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # DM8550040 paired with the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit part # DM8552028-71. This is a unique auto-sliding 5th wheel trailer hitch that offers up to 22-1/2" of travel. The travel is needed for turning, not reversing.
The Demco Hijacker Autoslide is actually your only option that would not require you to change out the pin box on the trailer to a rotating option like the Reese Sidewinder. The reason for this is that the 5-1/2' bed you have is just too short for a standard sliding 5th wheel hitch because they won't allow for enough turning clearance during 90 degree turns. The cab would likely contact the nose of your trailer with a standard sliding 5th wheel hitch during 90 degree turns.
Most standard sliding 5th wheel hitches only offer around 12" of travel which is just simply not enough to make a 90 degree turn with a 5-1/2' long bed.
Products Referenced in This Question
Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 13,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 3250 lbs Vertical Load
- 13000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 15-1/4 - 18 Inch Tall
- 22-1/2 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
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