Can a Fixed Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch be Used on a 2017 Ford F-250 Short Bed Truck

Question:

Will this product RP30921 be all right in my 2017 F250 Super Duty Gas 6.2Litre 6 3/4 box length or do I have to go with a slider option hitch? Thank u

asked by: Ken

Helpful Expert Reply:

Generally speaking you need a sliding fifth wheel hitch in a short bed truck. So for your 2017 Ford F-250 a better option may be the sliding Reese Elite, part # RP30144.

However, there are a few exceptions. For one, if the trailer has a tapered front end that is designed to be used with short bed trucks you may not need the slider. Some trailers have this design to give you more clearance and avoid hitting the truck's cab with the front of the trailer. Another possibility is if the trailer has a Revolution or Sidewinder pin box. Both of these lock the pivot point where the king pin fits into the hitch so it doesn't turn and instead pivots where the pin box installs on the trailer. They give you 22 more inches of clearance. The best part about these is that you may be able to replace the existing pin box with a Sidewinder. If you can tell me the model number of the pin box you have I'll see what's available for you.

If your trailer does have the tapered front end or a Sidewinder/Revolution pin box then the fixed hitch, part # RP30921, with wedge kit # RP44FR will work just fine for you.

expert reply by: Charles S