Does 2012 Ford F-250 Short Bed Require Slider Hitch to Make Tight Turns

Question:

I have a 2012 Ford 250 super duty with the short bed. Already have a BW Goose Neck hutch installed. I purchased the Curt adapter which fits very well. I’m getting mixed answers on needing a slider hitch. All my buddies say they have never had to use their sliders. I just purchased a 2017 Heartland PI 276. Don’t want to spend the extra 500 pulse if I don’t have to or need to. Also what is the minimum distance needed between to bumper and camper? Thanks

asked by: Jason

Expert Reply:

It is very rare that a short bed truck does not require a slider hitch to make tight turns with a fifth wheel trailer. The nose of the trailer would have to have a cut out and tapered section specifically designed for short bed turning clearance.

From the pictures I looked up of your RV yours does not have this feature so I would recommend going with a slider. The Reese Slider 16k part # RP30075 would fit your Curt X5 adapter # 16310 and would work well. It's also not super expensive relative to some of the hitches available and it's a very nice hitch. It has a round tube slider which is less likely to bind than a square and features a cushioned head and 360 degree contact jaw design.

expert reply by: Jameson C