Recommended Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch For 1996 Ford F-250 With 6-1/2 Ft Bed

Question:

I am buying a 2015 Northwood Arctic fox 27-5L fifth wheel trailer and the dealer told me I can use the reese 16 titain with my 1996 F250 extra cab that has a 6 1/2 foot bed. They say because the kin pin is extended out from the front cap of the trailer I would have all but jack knife abitiles. Is this true?

asked by: Curt V

Expert Reply:

Any truck with a bed shorter than 8 ft long is considered a short bed pickup. Per the attached helpful article, it is recommended to use a sliding fifth wheel hitch along with the extended pin box. Using just one or the other may not give the clearance you need when executing sharp turns, which will happen.

My recommendation is to use a sliding fifth wheel hitch like the Reese Fifth Wheel, part # RP30075. This is a sliding fifth wheel that gives you 11 inches travel front to back.

If you do not have base rails installed in your truck I recommend part # RP30035.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L