5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Install Kit Recommendations for a 2012 Ford F-350 Short Bed
Question:
I have a 2012 f350 SRW with a 6.75 bed. Do I have to have a slider? My trailer has a max weight of 16k and is 43 feet long
asked by: Michael
Expert Reply:
The 6-3/4 foot bed on the 2012 Ford F-350 is going to require a slider 5th wheel trailer hitch or you will need to use a stationary hitch with a Sidewinder replacement pin box on the trailer.
If a slider hitch is an option then I recommend a Demco HiJacker # DM8550034 for a model that fits above the bed rails (kit # DM8552000-71) or hitch # DM8550022 for a model that fits below the bed rails (kit # DM8551000). Both hitches are rated for 18,000 pounds, offer 14 inches of travel, and they slide automatically so you won't have to get in and out of the truck to operate the sliding feature; it does it for you! This is the set up I would go with if it were me.
If you would rather go with a stationary hitch and a Sidewinder then that is a solid option as well. But Sidewinders only fit in place of certain factory pin boxes so I would need to know the manufacturer and model number of the pin box on the trailer to determine if there is a Sidewinder that fits. This information should be on a sticker or plate on the pin box itself. I have included a link to our help article on Sidewinders for you.
If there is a Sidewinder that will fit you can install rail kit # RP50026-58 and use a fixed hitch that fits in industry standard above the bed rails such has the Reese 20K # RP30928. Using a Sidewinder will then provide 22 inches of additional clearance.
I also recommend installing an in-bed 7-Way, # 41157, to make hooking up the trailer easier.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 10 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Underbed - 18,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 15-1/2 - 18-1/4 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
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 >
Underbed Rail and Installation Kit for Demco UMS 5th Wheel and Gooseneck Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Below the Bed
- Demco
more information >
Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Demco
more information >
Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 14 - 18 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit for Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel and Gooseneck Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Below the Bed
- Reese
more information >
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