Help Deciding on Parts to Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer with a 2007 Ford F-150 Super Crew 5-1/2 foot Bed

Question:

Hey there Bob. I have a 2007 Ford F-150 Super Crew with the 139inch wheelbase 5.5foot truck bed. I have been thinking very seriously about taking to the road with a small trailer maybe up to 26foot but no more and as light as possible. Since I was looking for the safest way to transport for long distances, I was leaning toward the fifth wheel instead of a bumper pull. Everyone has been harping on the Superglide fifth wheel 16k hitch for the small bed. However, I read your answer concerning the fifth wheel vs the gooseneck setup where you opened my eyes to the gooseneck setup and the ability to use the bed when not in use. I love that idea of being about to remove the hitch. Anyway, you stated to send you an email in order to get a more personalized answer... With the 5.5inch truck bed, would you still recommend the Hide-a-Goose and the Goose-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter or stick with a fifth wheel hitch for stability? For fifth wheel hitches, would you recommend the advantage of the Reese Elite Series fifth-wheel hitch for removal or the Superglide 16k for the maneuverability? Or would it be wise to just stick with a 20foot to 26foot bumper pull? -Rob

asked by: Robert N

Expert Reply:

A 5th wheel trailer will definitely be an asset for long distance travel. I would recommend a fixed 5th wheel hitch and a Sidewinder or Revolution pin box for your Super Crew 5-1/2' bed truck. A 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck adapter will not provide enough clearance to make turns in parking lots, campgrounds and when backing in tight situations.

For your truck I recommend the Elite Series custom install kit # RP30064 and M5 Series 20K 5th wheel hitch # RP30921 as long as your trailer does not exceed 20,000 lbs. The M5 Series hitches offer the best option for bed use when you are not towing a trailer.

For your new trailer your best option is to go with either an OEM Revolution pin box or a Sidewinder pin box replacement. The Revolution and Sidewinder pin boxes are essentially the same, except that the Revolution is installed as an OEM part on some trailers, The Sidewinder pin box replacement part you will need will be dependent on the fixed pin box that is installed on the trailer you purchase. I have added links to some Sidewinder information and a video showing a Sidewinder installation and in use. Our site will help you select the correct pin box once you know the part number of the pin box that is installed on your new trailer.

We do not carry the Superglide hitch you mentioned. It is a very good product on trucks with a 6-1/2' bed but you will run into the same issues with a 5-1/2' bed and cannot use a Sidewinder or Revolution pin box in conjunction with that hitch.

expert reply by: Robert G