Best Fifth Wheel Hitch and Suspension Upgrade for a 2011 Ford F-150 5.5 Feet Bed
Question:
What hitch is the cheapest and best quality for my 2011 f-150 5.5ft bed?And update truck suspension?
asked by: John
Expert Reply:
The best quality and most affordable 5th wheel hitch for your 2011 Ford F-150 is going to be the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch item # BWRVK3200. B&W makes the best 5th wheel hitches on the market. The dual jaw on the Patriot offers a secure connection with 360-degree jaw-to-king-pin contact. This 5th wheel hitch has a 16,000 lbs towing capacity and a 4,000 lbs vertical load limit. The Patriot also comes in a 18,000 lbs capacity item # BWRVK3255.
To install the Patriot you are going to need the B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches item # BWRVK2404. These mounting brackets install beneath your truck bed to provide attachment points for above-bed base rails. These custom-fit brackets mount to existing holes in your F-150's frame.
The B&W Patriot weighs 150 lbs. If that's not something you're interested in moving by yourself and don't want to have to rely on someone to help you then I recommend purchasing the B&W 5th Wheel Lifting Device for Companion and Patriot Hitches item # BWRVXA3130. This heavy duty steel tool lets you lift your B&W 5th-wheel hitch from your truck bed with a hoist. The 5th-Wheel jaws clamp around the device for a secure grip.
Don't forget your lube plate. The Lube Plate for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10" Diameter item # RP83002 will prevent scratches on your fifth-wheel's skid plate and ease trailer hookup.
To make towing with a 5th wheel easier I recommend adding the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 10' Long item # C56070 to your 2011 Ford F-150. This harness puts a 7-way connector in the bed of your truck and allows you to keep the one on your bumper. This makes hooking up to your 5th wheel trailer easier and more convenient.
For a suspension upgrade on your F-150 I recommend the SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle item # SSR-117-40. These springs keep your truck level when you're towing or hauling a heavy load. They sit above your rear axle and help to absorb bumps and shocks. They are also maintenance free. There is no tubing to run or air pressure to monitor like with air springs.
(click to enlarge)
Products Referenced in This Question
B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- B and W
more information >
B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 16 - 19 Inch Tall
- B and W
more information >
B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 16 - 19 Inch Tall
- B and W
more information >
B&W 5th Wheel Lifting Device for Companion and Patriot Hitches
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Tools
- Lift Bracket
- Companion
- Patriot
- B and W
more information >
Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 7' Long
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 7 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- CURT
more information >
Lube Plate for Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10" Diameter
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Plates
- Lube Plate
- Reese
more information >
SumoSprings Solo Custom Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Jounce-Style Springs
- Light Duty
- SuperSprings Intl
more information >
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