Recommendation for a 5th Wheel Hitch to fit a 2003 Ford F-150 Super Crew with 5-1/2 ft Bed

Question:

Im trying to determine if I can use the sidewinder with the pro series 15k to accommodate the 5.5 ft bed of my 2003 Ford F150 Lariat with towing package. I read the sidewinder clearance calculation carefully, but I have no way of measuring the distance from the center of the hitch to the cab of the truck without knowing how wide the hitch is. Can you tell me how wide, from bar to bar, # RP30047 is? Also, can you confirm if I understand correctly if this hitch should be installed between 13-17 inches from the rear end of the bed?

asked by: Eugenia C

Expert Reply:

I contacted the manufacturer on the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30047, and the told me the front to back width if the arm spread on this hitch is 22 inches and the side to side width of the arms is 20-5/8 inches.

However, the 13 to 17 inch measurement that you referenced in the adjustable height of the hitch and not the distance of the rails installed in the bed of the truck. For your 2003 Ford F-150, I recommend the Reese Universal Bed Rails, # RP30035, for your 5-1/2 foot bed. The installation instructions for # RP30035 states the distance between the rear edge of the truck bed and the rear edge of the rear bed rail is 29-1/4 inches for both long and short beds. The king pin center of the 5th wheel will be 1-1/2 inches forward of the center of your truck's rear axle. From this king pin point, you can find the distance between the 5th wheel hitch and the back of the cab of the truck.

expert reply by: Jared P