Can a 2011 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

Can the F-150 do it for short halls, 40 t0 100 Miles, several times a year?? Looking at all the answers I would say yes? Which Hitch would work the best? 28 Foot Starwood by McKenzie 12000+ gvw I think?

asked by: Tim

Expert Reply:

If your 2011 Ford F-150 has the towing capacity for the 12,000 pound trailer then it is possible to tow a 5th wheel trailer with a 5-1/2 foot bed truck. But you will have to have a Sidewinder replacement pin box.

A slider hitch does not have enough travel and there is not enough space in the truck bed. The tailgate would have to come out. And you would not be able to make tight enough turns without hitting the truck cab and trailer together.

A Sidewinder moves the pivot point of the trailer back 22 inches which is much more than a slider hitch. The only catch is that Sidewinders only fit certain pin boxes. I would need to know the manufacturer and model number of the pin box. 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 for you.

If there is a Sidewinder that will fit then you will need a 5th wheel installation kit and a hitch. For an installation kit you can use custom kit # RP50081-58. This kit does not require any frame drilling to install the brackets that attach to the frame. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

For a hitch if using a Sidewinder a fixed hitch should be used and not a slider. I recommend Reese hitch # RP30047. It is rated for 16,000 pounds, has a dual-jaw design, and a 4-Way pivoting head. I have linked a video review of this hitch for you.

expert reply by: Michael H