Do I Need a Slider or Sidewinder for Ford 2012 F-250 Short Bed
Question:
I have a 2012 F-250 and I was told at the RV show that the 5th wheel we bought will be ok to not have a sliding hitch, have you heard of this? also if I buy the 5th wheel prep package will it work on a short bed, I dont see why not, but your the experts. I was wanting to use the prep package to keep the clean look, but if that is not an option can you give me options.
asked by: Brody
Expert Reply:
With a short-bed truck it is recommended that a slider fifth-wheel hitch be used to help compensate for the reduced turning clearance. Without the slider the trailer can strike the cab on sharp turns. The Slider allows the vehicle to make normal turns during low-speed maneuvering.
The fifth wheel prep package will work on a short bed. If you decide to go that route you can use a slider like the Reese 16K slider # RP30075 along with the Reese Elite Series Underbed Rail Adapter for Standard 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP30156.
If you are mechanically inclined you can save money by going with the aftermarket universal install kit which includes the universal rails # RP30035 and wiring harness # PK11893-11932,
For install instruction and product demonstration videos click the provided links.
Products Referenced in This Question
Pollak 5th Wheel / Gooseneck T-Connector with 7-Pole - Ford, GM, Dodge, Nissan w/ Factory Plug
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 7-1/2 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Pollak
more information >
Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10 Bolt
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Universal
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
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 >
Reese Elite Series Underbed Rail Adapter for Standard 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 20,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Adapters
- Rail Adapter
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
B&W Companion OEM 5th-Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ford
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 16-3/4 - 18-3/4 Inch Tall
- B and W
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
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