Handling Clearance Challenges With A Fifth Wheel On A 2015 Ford F-150 5.5 Foot Short Bed

Question:

Hello. We are getting a 2018 Jayco Eagle 28.5 RSTS with a Mor Ryde orbital pin box. We have a Ford F150 5.5 short bed. Will there be enough clearance between cab and trailer at 90 degree turn without a slider hitch? Thank You

asked by: Ed W

Expert Reply:

Because your Ford F-150 has a 5.5 foot short bed you will certainly need to make sure you have enough clearance for 90 degree turns. The Mor Ryde orbital pin box should help you with this but we do not know exactly what your clearance will be so you will need to take some measurements to make sure you are good. For safety, it is recommended that you have at least 4 inches of clearance. A formula to help with determining clearance is below and I am attaching some help articles to give you more information.

Clearance Formula: (A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Distance your pin box moves the pivot point
C = Width of the front of the trailer divided by 2 (to get half)

After you "plug in" the measurements and get your final clearance number then you will have a better idea what you need.

If you have enough clearance and if you need a fixed fifth wheel hitch, I recommend the Reese Fixed Fifth Wheel Hitch, Item # RP30047, which is a confirmed fit for your F-150. It has a gross towing weight of 16,000-lbs and vertical load limit of 4,000-lbs. The hitch height can be set from 14-1/2 inches to 18 inches. The custom installation rail kit would be the Reese Quick-Install Kit with Base Rails, Item # RP50087-58.

If this will not work for you, let me know what you need and I will make a correct recommendation.

I have attached some help articles and some videos that will assist you.