Getting More Turning Clearance Between 2008 Ford F-250 Cab and 2016 Elks Ridge 5th Wheel Trailer
Question:
We have a 2008 Ford F-250 short bed pickup and purchased a 2016 Elks Ridge 5th wheel. RV dealer installled a regular Reese 5th wheel hitch. When lturning out of the dealership the RV made contact with headache rack that was ion truck, if the headache rack had not been on the truck it would have damaged the truck cab. Question is what type of hitch do you suggest using ? Some say a slider but then I have read that is really for when backing up?
asked by: Carla
Expert Reply:
A slider 5th wheel trailer hitch is one option to get more clearance when making tight turns. They are not just for backing up because you could be going backwards or forwards when turning and need the clearance.
The other option is to replace the pin box on the 5th wheel trailer with a Sidewinder. A Sidewinder locks out the trailer at the hitch so the trailer instead pivots 22 inches further back on the Sidewinder turret. This 22 inches is much more clearance than a slider hitch. But Sliders only fit certain pin boxes so I would need to know the manufacturer and model of the pin box itself which should be on a sticker or plate on the pin box.
If your truck has above the bed 5th wheel rails and you want to go with a slider then I recommend the Demco HiJacker # DM8550034. This slider slides automatically so you don't have to get in and out of the truck to engage the slider. It also offers 14 inches of travel which is the most clearance offered by any slider hitch we carry.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 16-1/2 - 19-1/4 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Q&A: Are Capture Plates Needed When Using the Demco Autoslide With a Lippert Road Armor Pin Box
- Q&A: Are Any Adapters Or Rails Needed For The Demco Autoslide For Ram Puck System # DM69GV
- Q&A: Will the B&W Companion Fit Into OEM Pucks on a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Article: Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips
- Q&A: Do I Need a Capture Plate for a Rota Flex Pin Box?
- Q&A: How to Convert a Demco AutoSlide 5th Wheel Hitch to Fit in the Ford Factory Puck System
- Article: Guide to Choosing the Best Truck for 5th-Wheel Towing
- Article: The Best 5th Wheel Hitches