5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Install Kit for a 2014 Ford F-350 Short Bed  

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Expert Reply:

I will be happy to help. Nowadays there are 2 types of short beds. There is the regular short bed that is usually 6 to 6-3/4 feet long depending on the truck. And there is the super short bed that is less than 6 feet long.

I don't think that the super short bed was an option for the 2014 Ford F-350 so you likely have a 6-3/4 foot bed. There are 2 ways to tow a 5th wheel trailer with a short bed truck. First, you could use a slider hitch. A slider hitch allows the hitch and trailer to slide back which moves the pivot point of the trailer back. This allows you to make tight turns with out hitting the truck cab and trailer together.

The other way is to replace the pin box on the trailer with a Sidewinder pin box and then use a fixed hitch instead of a slider. A Sidewinder will move the pivot back 22 inches. A Sidewinder will also provide a smoother ride compared to a slider hitch. The only thing about Sidewinders is that they only fit in place of certain OEM pin boxes. I have included a link on Sidewinders for you to view.

If you go with a slider hitch you will want one that has the most amount of travel which will provide the most clearance when turning. What I recommend is the Demco HiJacker, # DM8550037. This hitch slides automatically so you don't have to get in and out of the truck to slide the hitch back. And it has 14 inches of travel which is the most of any slider we have.

For an installation kit use # DM8551000. This is a custom fit underbed kit so when the hitch is removed you will have a clear bed, no rails in the way. The only other part you would need is an in-bed 7-Way trailer connector. For that you can use # 41157. I have included some additional helpful links for you as well.

expert reply by: Michael H

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