5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Slider or Sidewinder, 2007 Ford F-150 4 Door Short Bed, Finding Clearance  

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To determine the best 5th wheel trailer hitch set up for your 2007 Ford F-150, 4 door short bed, there are some measurements that will need to be made based on the bed length and trailer width.

There is a formula we use to determine how much clearance you will have when using a slider or stationary hitch with a Sidewinder (if one is required like on a 5-1/2 foot bed). This will tell us which type of hitch you will need. I have explained it below but have also added an FAQ on Sidewinders with the information.

First, you will need to measure from the center of the hitch jaw to the back of the truck cab. This can be difficult without a 5th wheel hitch already installed but I can help. If your truck has a 5-1/2 foot bed, the hitch jaw center will be 1-1/2 inches forward of the rear axle center line. So measure from that point to the back of the cab, call it measurement A.

Next, you will need to add in the length of travel of a slider (12 inches at most) or the length of a Sidewinder arm (22 inches) or zero for stationary hitches. Call this measurement B.

Next, measure the width of your trailer, then divide by 2 to get half. Call this measurement C. You then plug A, B, and C into the formula; (A + B) - C = Clearance.

For example: With a Sidewinder, if the distance from the center of the hitch to the cab is 36 inches, 36 inches + 22 inches = 58 inches. If your fifth wheel trailer is 102 inches wide, take half (51 inches), then plug in: 58 inches - 51 inches = 7 inches of clearance. You will need at least 4 inches of clearance.

In this case, I recommend Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, # RP30047, and installation kit, # RP50081-58. I have included a link to the installation details below. With this set up, you would also need a Sidewinder. The type of Sidewinder depends on the trailer pin box manufacturer and model number which can be found on a sticker or plate on the pin box. I have included a link to the Sidewinders available below. Sidewinders allow for 22 inches more clearance so use 22 inches for measurement B when calculating for clearance.

For a 6-1/2 foot bed, the center of the hitch jaw will be centered over the rear axle. So measure from that point to the back of the cab for measurement A. Plug in the rest of the formula to determine clearance. A slider unit will probably be required. I recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Round Tube Slider, # RP30075 and installation kit, # RP50081-58. This slider has 12 inches of travel, so when calculating for clearance use 12 inches for measurement B. I have included a link to the installation details below.

And last, you will need to check your owners manual for the towing capacities of your truck to determine if it is capable of 5th wheel towing.

expert reply by: Michael H

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