Compatability of Fifth Wheels on Pickup Truck Beds Shorter Than 6 Feet

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Technical Bulletin

Subject:Can use combination of a Sidewinder and a Signature Series fifth wheel system on 2004-2008 Ford F150s (New Body Style, except Flareside) with bed shorter than 6 feet in length.

Problem:Manufacturer previously maintained in their instructions that their fifth wheels could not be used on any truck with a bed shorter than 6 feet in length.

Solution:Signature Series mounting kit 30064 can be used on 2004-2008 Ford F150 trucks (New Body Style, except Flareside) with bed lengths of 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 4 inches along with the use of a Sidewinder. Only the Signature Series/Sidewinder combination mentioned above is recommended.

Manufacturer does not recommend the use of fifth wheel hitches that use sliders with these vehicles.

Always make sure of turning clearances before installing, because different trailer configurations could cause problems with clearance.

Product Number:

Manufacturer:Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch, Reese,Tow-Ready

Bulletin Date:03/04/08

Bulletin Number:08-0102

Tom W.

8/23/2020

We are considering a smaller 5th wheel for our 2020 F150. The most difficult part has been determining pin weight. Our Ford dealer is saying pin weight and tongue weight are the same, but I've read a lot that contradicts this. Can anyone direct me to an article with the "correct" information?

Jon G.

8/31/2020

Your dealer is somewhat right but the problem is that everybody mixes up terminology. Pin weight is usually used for 5th wheel and gooseneck trailers while tongue weight is typically used for bumper pull trailers. They basically mean "weight at the nose of the trailer" but when you're looking at your F-150 towing specs these will be different numbers because your whole truck bed can handle more pin weight than the back of your truck can handle in tongue weight. For exact weight capacities look at the Ford towing guide and make sure you're at the F-150 5th wheel/gooseneck towing section. https://www.fleet.ford.com/towing-guides/

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