Recommended 5th-Wheel Hitch for 2015 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Ft Bed

Question:

I have a 5.5foot F-150, can I use a fifth wheel? What are the considerations I have to worry about beyond cab clearance and towing weight?

asked by: Justin D

Helpful Expert Reply:

The only way to tow a 5th-wheel trailer with your 2015 Ford F-150 that has a 5-1/2 foot bed is to use a fixed 5th-wheel hitch along with a Reese Sidewinder King Pin.

A Sidewinder will move the pivot point 22 inches behind the king pin, giving you the needed clearance to make sharp turns when towing a 5th-wheel trailer with your short bed truck. These are custom designed to replace the standard king pin on your trailer, so in order to find the correct Sidewinder, you will need to locate the pin box number on your trailer. This should be displayed somewhere on the pin box itself. If you cannot locate this information, you can also contact the trailer manufacturer with the VIN or serial number, and they will be able to provide you with the coupler type.

I have attached a helpful article on Sidewinders in which a chart is located that will help you pick the right Sidewinder based on your existing pin box number.

For a 5th-wheel hitch for your 2015 Ford F-150, I recommend looking at the Reese M5 20K # RP30928 along with the custom installation rails # RP50087-58. This hitch will provide a 20,000 pound gross trailer weight and a 5,000 pound vertical load limit. It features a forged, single-piece jaw that will provide a more secure jaw-to-king-pin contact for minimal jarring and chucking. As you mentioned in your question, you will want to make sure you choose a hitch with a capacity that exceeds the weight of the trailer you will be towing.

If you do not have one already, I also recommend adding a 5th-Wheel Wiring Harness like the Bargman # 50-97-410-010. Once installed, this will provide a 7-way connector in the bed of your truck for easy hookup with your trailer.