Hitch Recommendation to Tow 32 Jazz 5th Wheel Trailer with 2015 Ford F-150 5.5 Bed

Question:

I currently have a 32foot Jazz 5th wheel that has a Lippert 1116 kingbox plus a trailsaver gn3 airide gooseneck adapter on it. I changed jobs and had to change pickups from a 2011 f250 with a 6.5foot bed to a 2015 f150 with a 5.5foot bed. I am researching on what kind of hitch system i should go with for the shorter box in the new truck without breaking the bank in doing so. I really liked the gooseneck because i didnt have my bed used up with rails and 5th wheel hitch. We usually go to a destination then unhook and use the truck wherever we are at. I really liked the reese goosebox but doesnt look like it will give me enough clearance for turning. Perfect world seems to be goosebox sidewinder but it doesnt look like Reese makes one. It looks like im stuck w/ a 5th wheel hitch and i lose my trailsaver adapter. What would you suggest: go with slider hitch or sidewinder with standard 5th wheel hitch or is there some way i could keep my trailsaver setup as is with some other hitch? I love the website - Ive learned alot from the expert advice you have on it! Thank you!

asked by: Bob P

Expert Reply:

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The best recommendation that I have for your situation would be to install a fifth wheel hitch in the bed of your 2015 Ford F-150 with 5.5' bed and use a sidewinder pin box on your 32' Jazz 5th wheel.

For a 5th wheel hitch I suggest taking a look at the Pro Series Dual Jaw 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Quick-Install Custom Base Rails, # RP30928 and # RP56034-53. This hitch features a lockable single jaw on a floating head to create the easiest hookup possible.

The Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret, # RP61412, can be used to replace the current Lippert 1116 pin box on the 5th wheel to increase your clearance distance when making turns.

I have attached an article which includes a clearance formula measurement for a sidewinder. You will want to use this formula to ensure that there will be enough space between your truck cab and trailer when executing a 90-degree turn.

Although I wouldn't personally recommend using the Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter, # RP94622-61301, with the Hide-A-Goose Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch and Installation Kit, # 9465-91, it could be done. Due to the very limited amount of clearance, with this set-up you would have to be extremely cautious while making turns when towing.

The same would apply to the set-up that you previously had in your 2011 Ford F-250 where the gooseneck adapter was used to tow your 5th wheel trailer.

As always, when planning to tow with a new vehicle, I recommend checking the vehicle's owner's manual to determine it's towing capacity to ensure that it is not exceeded.