5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Installation Kit for a 2011 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed

Question:

Hi, I have a 2011 Ford F-150 pickup with the very short 5.5foot bed. I was wondering if the Demco # DM6076P-UL-16K Hijacker Ultra-Slide 5th wheel hitch would work with my truck. The trailer to be towed is a 2012 Keystone Cougar 5th wheel, model 244RLSWE. Would this hitch work with truck and trailer? What bed rails would I need to order to fit truck and hitch? Based on truck/trailer combo would the original Pin Box work or would I need an extended Pin Box and if so what model? Thank you very much for your time with my questions.

asked by: Pete A

Expert Reply:

I did a little research on your 2012 Keystone Cougar 244RLSWE and found that it has the tapered front end and extended pin box which means that it might be possible to tow the trailer with your 2011 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 foot bed. The issue that comes up with trucks with the really short beds like yours is that normally a traditional slider hitch can't travel far enough to make 90 degree turns without the trailer hitting the truck cab.

The other issue is that you may have to remove the tailgate so that the pin box of the trailer doesn't hit it. What I recommend instead of a regular slider hitch is to use the Demco 13K slider which travels 22-1/2 inches and does so automatically so you won't have to get out of the truck. The hitch itself is # DM8550040. I have linked a video review for you.

For an installation kit I recommend custom kit # RP50081-58. The custom kits require far less drilling for installation compared to universal and semi-custom kits. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

expert reply by: Michael H