Isa Slider 5th Wheel Hitch Needed for Towing a 1985 Jayco 2450 with a 2011 Ford F-150 Long Bed

Question:

I have a 2011 ford f150 and after measuring if I put in a normal 5th wheel hitch in my truck the camper when turning will hit the cab of my truck it is a super cab truck with 8 ft bed. I am trying to find out what aftermarket hitch to install to keep this from happening. I have seen sidewinder and pull rites but I dont know specifically which one to look for. thank you

asked by: Steven J

Expert Reply:

If your 2011 Ford F-150 has the 8 foot bed then from the back of the truck cab to the centerline of a 5th wheel trailer hitch is approximately 57 inches. The 1985 Jayco 2450 5th wheel trailer is 96 inches wide. Half the width is 48 inches. Since the cab to hitch measurement is more than 4 inches greater than half the width of the trailer there would be no clearance issue when turning.

If the bed is the super short 5-1/2 foot bed or even the standard bed at 6-1/2 feet then you would need a slider hitch or Sidewinder to get the clearance to make tight turns.

For either short bed I actually recommend the Demco 13K HiJacker # DM8550040 because it offers 22-1/2 inches of travel for additional clearance and it slides automatically. The clearance amount is actually 1/2 inch more than a Sidewinder.

To install this hitch in your truck you will just need an installation kit, # RP50081-58. It will fit all bed sizes so if you have the long bed and still want to go with a slider it will work.

expert reply by: Michael H