Can a Reese Goose Box Adapter be Used in a 2014 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed

Question:

Can the gooseneck adapter be used in a F-150 with a short box 5 1/2 and will the tailgate have to be removed?

asked by: Larry B

Expert Reply:

The Reese Goose Box # RP85FR couples to any 2-5/16 inch gooseneck ball so it is not vehicle specific. However unless the trailer was one designed to be towed by a short bed truck it will not matter. The adapter does not provide any additional length beyond the stock pin box on the trailer. If the trailer has the tapered front end designed specifically to work with short bed trucks then you will be fine. But if not then the only alternative is to install a 5th wheel trailer hitch that has a lot of travel.

In order to install a 5th wheel trailer hitch the gooseneck hitch in the truck will have to be removed. Then you can install a 5th wheel installation kit and use the 13K Demco HiJacker # DM8550041 which slides automatically and travels 22-1/2 inches. Demco has stated you don't have to remove the tailgate but if it were me I would remove it anyway to err on the side of caution.

For this hitch and your 2014 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 foot bed the installation kit needed is # DM8551001. I have linked a video review of the HiJacker for you.

expert reply by: Michael H