Recommended 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for 2005 Ford F-150 4x4 Dual Cab with 5.5 Ft Bed
Question:
Hi I live in Australia but I have a friend in the US that can order and send me a 5th wheel hitch. Can you tell me the most appropriate hitch for a 2005 4x4 dual cab F150 with a 5 6 tub tray standard. My 5th wheeler is 30 long with a GVW of 9900 lbs. I have a 5th airbourne pin box fitted. Thank you for your assistance. Regards,Hi Reno recently advised me on a 20k pro series hitch for my 2005 F150 5 6 short bed style side tray. I have a 5th Airbourne Sidewinder pin box on my trailer and I wanted to know if I require the slider rail kit for this hitch or not. I have a relation in Michigan who will order the hitch and mounting kit. Thanks again for assistance. Regards,
asked by: Greg M
Expert Reply:
For a fifth-wheel hitch for your 2005 Ford F-150 with 5 foot 6 inch bed, I would recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, part # RP30928, which is a 20K hitch. There are a few reasons that I recommend a 20K hitch, the first is that there are more features on the 20K hitch, like a floating head that makes hook up easier and a locking double jaw. Another reason is that in the future if you decide to go with a heavier trailer, you will not have to purchase another hitch. To install, you will need Reese Base Rails and Installation Kit, part # RP50081-58.
If the additional features are not of importance to you, I would recommend the 16K Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, part # RP30047, which will also work great with your F-150. To install the 16K hitch, you will also use Installation Kit, part # RP50081-58.
Since your truck bed is under 6 ft, it is required to use Sidewinder Coupler to provide the additional and needed clearance to tow a fifth-wheel trailer. A Sidewinder coupler provides additional clearance and moves the pivot point of the trailer behind the king pin. If your 5th Airborne is not a Sidewinder type, you will need to replace it with a Sidewinder type coupler. If you can send me the make and model of your pin box, I can recommend a compatible Sidewinder, or you can use the chart on the Sidewinder FAQ page (see link).
I have linked a video review of the Reese 5th Wheel Hitches and instructions for the Reese Base Rails and Installation Kit, part # RP50081-58. I have also linked an FAQ on Sidewinders and Fifth Wheel Trailers that you may find as a good reference.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 14 - 18 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
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Greg
2/7/2011
Hi I live in Australia but I have a friend in the US that can order and send me a 5th wheel hitch. Can you tell me the most appropriate hitch for a 2005 4x4 dual cab F150 with a 5 6 tub tray standard. My 5th wheeler is 30 long with a GVW of 9900 lbs. I have a 5th airbourne pin box fitted. Thank you for your assistance. Regards,Hi Reno recently advised me on a 20k pro series hitch for my 2005 F150 5 6 short bed style side tray. I have a 5th Airbourne Sidewinder pin box on my trailer and I wanted to know if I require the slider rail kit for this hitch or not. I have a relation in Michigan who will order the hitch and mounting kit. Thanks again for assistance. Regards,