Can a Ford F-150 with EcoBoost Tow a 7,000 Pound 5th Wheel Trailer with a Slider Hitch

Question:

I just bought a 2016 Cougar fifth wheel 25BHS that weighs only 7100 lbs. I am looking to buy a Ford V6 eco boost truck with 3:55 or 3:73 gears to pull it. Specs state it will tow close to 11,000 lbs which I believe is more than sufficient. What are your thoughts? Will the short bed work with a super glide hitch? I definitely like the Ford truck and have friends that tow fifth wheel trailers over 30foot and have no issues. Just want your opinion on this. What is your recommendation?

asked by: Mike T

Expert Reply:

As long as the truck has the capacity to tow the trailer, loaded and ready to tow, then you will be good to go. The big thing with heavy duty towing is torque and not necessarily power. Generally speaking the 3/4 and 1-ton diesel trucks offer more of both torque and power but it might be overkill for a light weight trailer like the one you bought.

The PullRite SuperGlide hitch is not one that we carry but there is a better option; the Demco HiJacker Auto-sliding hitch. There are a few different models including one that slides up to 22-1/2 inches and is rated for 13,000 pounds. If the truck you are looking at has the super short bed, less than 6 feet long, then this is the best option. It will also work fine in the regular short bed and the long bed.

To determine which installation kits fit the truck I would need to know the year and the bed length. But if interested in the 13K auto-sliding hitch it is # DM8550040 and it fits in industry standard above the bed rails.

expert reply by: Michael H