Options for Towing a Fifth Wheel Trailer with a Short Bed Truck

Question:

I have a 20 yr old Alpenlite 32 ft 5th wheel. I am purchasing a 2017 F-350 short bed truck with the factory rails and need to do something about my Atwood, AB-72 hitch. My local hitch dealer can not find a extender that will work. The recommendation is a Curt Slider in my new truck. Please help me to find an alternative. I would like to not go to a slider but I may have to......

asked by: Ken C

Helpful Expert Reply:

Your best option to gain turning clearance with the new 2017 Ford F-350 short bed with factory installed rails is to go to a sliding hitch, like the Curt Q16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # C16520-16020 as example. This hitch is designed to fit the factory kit that will come with your truck and gives up to 12 inches of travel to help with the turning clearance. The only downside to this is that you need to get out of your truck to slide it, make your turn, and then get back out and move the hitch to its towing position.

Another option is the Demco Hijacker Autoslide # DM8550024. This hitch automatically slides up to 14 inches back when making sharp turns and then automatically returns to its towing position when you straight out. No need to get out of the truck. This hitch is also confirmed to fit in the F-350 with the factory rails.

expert reply by: Charles S