Replacement Pin Box to Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer with 2002 Ford F-250 Short Bed

Question:

I have a 2002 f-250 super duty truck and I have a 3 axle 5th wheel camper. Its a 1995 king of the road and I been trying to find out what I can use. I was looking a the resse pin box but the ones I saw were only rated for 16k my camper on the pin it self says 18k gross. All in all I need help. Thanks

asked by: Anthony L

Expert Reply:

On a short bed truck like your 2002 Ford F-250 you would either need to use a slider 5th wheel hitch or a Sidewinder replacement pin box to get the clearance needed to make tight turns without hitting the truck cab and trailer together.

If you have the really short bed, less than 6 feet long, then a slider hitch would not work and you would have to use a Sidewinder.

A Sidewinder is preferred either way because with it you will not have to worry about getting out of the truck to slide the hitch back and it will offer better ride quality compared to a slider hitch. To determine if there is a Sidewinder that will fit your trailer I will need to know the pin box manufacturer and model number. This information should be on a sticker or plate on the pin box itself.

I have included a link to our help article on Sidewinders. At the bottom of that article there is a chart that shows Sidewinder and pin box compatibility.

expert reply by: Michael H