Can a 2009 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I have searched your site and have found what you suggest for a 2009 F150 5 1/2 ft bed 5.4 V8 to be used for hitch. I am considering purchasing a 2016 Jayco Eagle HT 26.5 that has a Reese Revolution Sindwinder installed on the unit. My dealer and or Jayco cannot confirm that I will have enough clearance between the cab and 5th wheel unit. I have the formula that you have given to calculate the clearance. The HT 26.5 is 96inch wide. Do I have enough clearance with the cab in tight turns? thank you

asked by: Dave P

Expert Reply:

On your 2009 Ford F-150 with the 5-1/2 foot bed, the distance from the back of the cab to the center of the king pin is approximately 25 inches. The Revolution pin box at most adds 22 inches of clearance (measure from the center of the king pin back to the center of the turret on the Revolution to see if it is indeed 22 inches).

Adding 25 and 22 we get 47. Half the width of the trailer is 48 inches. Because half the width of the trailer is greater than the clearance measurement of 47 inches you would not be able to make tight turns without hitting the truck cab and trailer together.

At best, I can get you another 1/2 inch of clearance using a special hitch but it still would not be enough. The remaining option is a different trailer. Some manufacturers make trailers specifically for the very short bed trucks. One of those with a Revolution pin box or a narrower model wit ha Revolution is what you would need.

With a clearance measurement of 47 inches when using a 22 inch Revolution pin box the widest trailer you could tow and still be able to safely make 90 degree turns would be 86 inches.

There are installation kits that will fit your truck. I recommend a custom kit, # RP50081-58, to avoid having to drill into the truck frame. For a hitch I recommend the Pro Series 16K, # RP30047, because it is a great entry level hitch with a dual jaw design and 4-Way pivoting head.

Remember that you will have to have either a trailer specifically designed for the super short beds or a trailer up to 86 inches wide with a 22 inch Revolution pin box.