Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for a 2015 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 foot Bed

Question

Question:

Regarding 5th wheel towing with a 2015 Ford F150 max towing and max cargo package and Eco-boost 3.5 engine and optional LT tires.The Ford towing guide page 17 states vehicles equipped with 5 1/2 foot box will accept a 5th wheel hitch but current 5th wheel designs are not compatible with these models-145inch WB super crew. I cannot find a site to ask Ford if this is correct information. Rounded front end cap, 7130 UVW, 1305 pin weight, 9950 GVWR, etc. for the 2015 Jayco HT 26.5 rls I am considering would seem to be well within tolerances. I also noticed that E-trailer sells several fixed 5th wheel hitches for the Ford with a 5 1/2 box, but does not show any sliders. There are several sliders listed for the 6 1/2 box. Why is a slider listed for a 6 1/2 but none for the 5 1/2 ? What would be your recommendation for a hitch set up for the above described Ford F150? Thanks

asked by: Tom B

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Expert Reply:

The only way you can tow a fifth wheel trailer with a truck that has a bed length shorter than 6 feet is to use a Sidewinder pin box replacement on the trailer to give you the needed clearance to make sharp turns.

Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have know in order to pick out the correct one.

There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.

Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.

You will need to use a stationary hitch like you mentioned, but first let's start with a rail kit. For that you would want a custom install kit like the part # RP56034-53 that would install in about half the time as a universal kit and would minimize drilling.

For a stationary hitch you would want the Reese Hitch part # RP30047. This hitch provides excellent jaw-to-king-pin contact with a 2-jaw latching system. Check out the review video I attached for more info.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Answer 1

The Replacement Amber Lens for MC32AB Trailer Lights #A32AB is a direct replacement for the SAE A P2 DOT 14 and would be what you'd need.

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Answer 2

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 6

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 7

Yes, you are going to also need the Demco Autoslide Capture Plates for Trailair Rota-Flex Pin Boxes #DM6171 when using the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider #DM8550040 with your Road Armor pin box. For a suspension enhancement I…

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Answer 8

I spoke with my contact at Trailair and from your serial number we were able to determine that your trailer came with a 1621 HD pin box which is a long pin box style. I was unable to obtain the exact part number for your Trailair pin box but from the…

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Answer 9

Most fifth wheel rails are made to the same industry standard dimensions. They aren't all though. If you measure 22 inches on center between the two rails and they look like the rails of the #RP30035 that you referenced they would be the industry…

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Answer 10

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 11

The Ram OEM 5th wheel puck system, shown in the linked photo and article, was launched in 2013 so what you have in your truck is likely to be an aftermarket installation of some kind. These newer Ram trucks with the factory prep can directly accept a…

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Answer 12

To get the B&W Patriot #BWRVK3200 to work with your 2006 Dodge Ram you're going to need a set of 5th wheel rails #DM8552016-71. These rails are custom fit to your vehicle so they'll just bolt right up to the frame. It is worth mentioning…

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