Recommendation to Tow 5th Wheel Trailer with 2012 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed
Question:
I bought a rv that has a C5G1216 on it my truck is a short bed I got a BandW turnover ball hitch with the 4inch extended BandW ball will the C5GX1216 work for me or adapter to make the one i have work to give me more room.
asked by: Paul
Expert Reply:
I do have a solution for you, however Convert-A-Ball does not recommend using the Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter # CAB-C5GX1216 on trucks with beds shorter than 6 feet. The issue with towing a fifth wheel trailer with a 5-1/2 foot bed is the clearance between the trailer and the rear of the truck cab. Even with an adapter like this one that features an offset, the actual pivot point will not change, so there is still going to be a lot of difficulty when making sharp turns.
The best option for towing a fifth wheel trailer is going to be replacing the gooseneck hitch on your truck with a fixed fifth wheel trailer hitch, along with installing a Reese Sidewinder on the trailer.
The Reese Sidewinder is designed to replace the king pin on your trailer and will move the pivot point 22 inches behind the king pin, making it possible to tow a fifth wheel trailer with a 5-1/2 foot bed. Because these will replace the existing king pin, you will need to locate the pin box number on your trailer in order to find the correct product. This should be located on the pin box itself or you can contact the trailer manufacturer with your VIN, and they will be able to provide you with this information. For example, the Reese Sidewinder # ST400-5AS16K will work with the Leland 7910, 7920 and 7921 pin boxes. I have also attached an article on the Sidewinder that you might find helpful.
Then for a fixed fifth wheel hitch, I recommend looking at the Reese M5 # RP30928 along with the Custom Rail Kit # RP50081-58. This is a very nice hitch that features a 20,000 pound capacity and a forged, single jaw system that will provide a secure connection with the trailer.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12" to 16" Tall
- Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters
- Adapts Trailer
- Fifth Wheel Trailer to Gooseneck Hitch
- Offset
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Bolts Over King Pin
- Adjustable Height
- King Pin Adapters
- Convert-A-Ball
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Adapters for Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a Gooseneck Hitch
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Q&A: Can Goose Box be Used with Short Bed Truck
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips
- Article: Best 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapters (2023)
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Q&A: How To Install HBA-CAM Hydrastar Adapter
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Is an Offset Adapter Needed to Tow a 5th Wheel with a Gooseneck Hitch on a 2011 Ram 2500 Short Bed
- Q&A: Reese Goose Box Gooseneck Adapter that Fits 2024 Jayco Eagle 29DDB
- Q&A: Comparing Rota-Flex and Gen-Y 5th Wheel Pin Boxes
- Q&A: Should I Get Loadlifter 5000 Or 7500 For Towing A 15K Fifth Wheel