Is a Slider 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Needed for Short Bed 2011 Ford F-250 and Cedar Creek Silverback
Question:
We currently use the Reese 16k non slider hitch in our 2002 GMC Sierra long box to tow our 2013 Cedar Creek Silverback 35QB4 bought hitch new when we bought trailer in October 2012. We are looking to purchase a 2011 Ford Superduty lariat short box diesel, will we be able to use that hitch in new truck? Thanks
asked by: Kris
Helpful Expert Reply:
I looked up your trailer to see some specs on it. The 2013 Cedar Creek Silverback has those cutouts at the front corners of the overhang that appear to be for short bed trucks. However you still may need a slider hitch to be able to make 90 degree turns. It depends on how wide the trailer is at the cutouts, which is very hard to measure accurately.
You would have to measure the width at the apex of one cutout to the apex of the other cutout. The apex in this case would basically be the middle of the curve like in the picture I have provided.
Take that measurement and divide by 2 to get half. On the truck you would measure the distance from the back of the truck cab to the centerline of the hitch. The first measurement would have to be 4 inches more than the second measurement to make 90 degree turns. If it is not then you would need a slider hitch.
On the 2011 Ford Super Duty short bed the measurement from the back of the cab to the hitch centerline will be approximately 36-1/8 inches. That would mean that the width between the apexes of the cutout at the front of the trailer would have to be no greater than 68-1/4 inches.
If this is not going to work without a slider then # RP30075 would be a good choice because it has a round tube base that offers 11 inches of travel. This means that the measurement at the apexes could be 90-1/4 inches. The safe bet would be to use a slider.
Depending on the model number of your Reese hitch, you may not have to buy a whole new hitch. The head and cross member on your existing hitch may fit a slider base. Since you bought the hitch new in 2012 you should be able to use slider base # RP50024.
For an installation kit for the 2011 Ford I recommend Reese custom kit # RP50026-58. Custom kits do not require drilling into the truck frame for installation.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Round Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 15 - 18 Inch Tall
- 11 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Reese
more information >
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