Can a 2016 Ford F-150 with a 5-1/2 foot Bed Tow a Fifth Wheel Trailer

Question:

I just purchased a f150 super crew 5foot 6inch bed I have a fifth wheel trailer dry weight of 6700 lbs I was told that the slider fifth wheel hitch I have would work now that it was to be installed the rep said they would need to change the rails for it to work my question is will my slider hitch work I took it off a f150 with 6foot bed and it worked fine

asked by: Sam

Expert Reply:

Slider hitches will work on trucks with a 6 foot bed, but if the bed is any less in length than that they do no provide enough clearance. You would have to go with a Sidewinder pin box on the trailer with a stationary hitch (or slider hitch left slid forward) to be able to tow a trailer.

Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have now in order to pick out the correct one.

There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.

Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.

For a fifth wheel hitch the Reese Select Plus # RP30081 that you referenced would be a great choice. This hitch would have more than enough capacity and has one of the nicest jaw systems on the market so you would have a smooth, quiet ride with this hitch.

For a fifth wheel rail kit you would want to go with a custom fit kit like the part # RP56034-53 which has been confirmed as a fit and would work well. Custom kits don't require as much drilling or install time so they are preferred.

expert reply by: Jameson C