Will Demco HiJacker 5th Wheel Hitch and Auxiliary In-Bed Fuel Tank Fit a 2016 Ford F-350 Short Bed

Question:

Hi, I just purchased a 2016 F350 SRW 4x4 Short Bed. I am looking at in-bed, below-rail, aux fuel tanks diesel, but want to be sure I will still be able to add a 5th wheel hitch like the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Ford Super Duty Prep Package - 21K in the future. yes, the truck has the factory hitch prep Could you tell me what the maximum depth from front of bed by cab - toward the tailgate the fuel tank/tool box could be without any hitch conflict? I have zero experience with 5th wheels, and the hitch/trailer is a future project, but the fuel tank has to happen now. BTW, I am very aware of weight limitations. Are there any other issues you would suggest I consider before adding an aux tank besides dimensions and weight? Thank you sincerely for your expert advise!

asked by: Eric B

Expert Reply:

On the Demco 21K HiJacker 5th wheel trailer hitch, # DM8550038, for your 2016 Ford F-350 short bed there is an easy way to determine if there is enough space to use the hitch with an auxiliary fuel tank in the truck bed.

The hitch measures approximately 3-1/2 inches from the center of the forward most pucks in the truck bed to the end of the hitch assembly closest to the front of the bed. But I would allow for a little more space, 5 or 6 inches, just to be on the safe side and ensure enough clearance.

The tank you get will need to be about 5 or 6 inches less wide that the measurement from the front of the truck bed to the center of the nearest set of pucks. A tank such as # DZ91752X could potentially work. It is 9 inches wide. I have linked a video review for you. Tanks 9 inches wide are the narrowest we carry.

expert reply by: Michael H