5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Install Kit and Helper Springs for a 2015 Toyota Tundra with 5-1/2 Foot Bed

Question:

I am looking at purchasing an ultralight 30 ft 5th wheel trailer GVW 7000lbs, I do not have a specific model picked out at this time. I am trying to determine if I will be able to tow the 5th wheel safely with my Toyota Tundra. I have a 2007 Toyota Tundra 5.7L V8. It has TRD, SR5 and towing package. From towing my horse trailer, I know I need to upgrade my leaf springs, what other upgrades would you recommend for towing a 5th wheel? From my research it seems that they do not make 5th hitches appropriate for my vehicle bed length. Is there a hitch that will work? Also, what weight loads should I pay attention to when determining if the 5th wheel would go over the limits for the vehicle? Thank you for your advice!

asked by: Sarah

Expert Reply:

It sounds like your 2015 Toyota Tundra has the very short 5-1/2 foot bed. There is an installation kit you can use, # RP50084-58. For a bed this short you would have to get a fixed 5th wheel hitch and use a Sidewinder pin box in place of the factory pin box on the trailer.

A Sidewinder will move the pivot point back 22 inches giving you more clearance between the truck and trailer when making tight turns. I have included a link to our help article on Sidewinders for you to view. Sidewinders only fit certain OEM pin boxes though so when looking at trailers keep in mind the chart at the bottom of the Sidewinder help article that shows which Sidewinders fit which pin boxes.

Also, the trailer that you choose and the capacities of the truck will be factors in choosing the appropriate hitch. A common hitch capacity is a 16K. Reese # RP30047 is a great entry-level hitch with dual jaws for good king pin contact and a double pivot head to aid in hook up at less than level angles.

For capacities you will want to look at gross trailer weight (GTW or GTWR), gross combined weight rating (GCWR), and payload and/or rear axle capacity. Gross trailer weight is the maximum the trailer can weigh for the 2015 Toyota Tundra to tow it. Gross combined weight rating is the maximum that the trailer and truck can weigh together when fully loaded with fuel, cargo, and passengers. And the payload or axle capacity is the most weight you can put in the bed. This is important because 5th wheel trailers have high pin weights. Pin weight is basically the same thing as tongue weight on a bumper pull trailer.

Your truck likely has a shorter wheelbase than models with longer beds. This can lead to increased sag at the back of the vehicle. Helper springs can help. I recommend Timbren springs # TTORTUN4 because they mount to the bottoms of the truck frame rails and will not interfere with a 5th wheel installation kit.