Recommended 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Air Bags for 2015 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed

Question:

Im looking to purchase a fifth wheel for the first time. I have a 2015 Ford F150 crewcab with 5 1/2 foot box. Due to the short box and weight restrictions, I would like a recommendation on a hitch and bed rail kit, pinbox, and air bags. After much research I was thinking the Demco Recon 21k hitch, Airborn/sidewinder pin box, and Firestone Rite Rite

asked by: Clay

Helpful Expert Reply:

A fixed fifth wheel hitch and Reese Sidewinder combination like what you referenced is the exact setup that you need to tow a fifth wheel trailer with your 2015 Ford F-150 short box.

Starting with the fifth wheel trailer hitch itself, the Demco Recon # DM8550043 that you are looking at is a really nice option. This is a heavy-duty hitch that features a wraparound, single-piece jaw for a secure connection with the trailer, and it comes in 2 lightweight pieces to allow for fast and easy installation. The hitch has a 21,000 pound capacity, but you will want to verify the capacity of your F-150, as it will be less than this. You will need to always follow the limits of your system's weakest component. In order to use the hitch with the Reese Sidewinder pin box, you will just need to add the Custom Wedge # SWW-05.

For the base rails that the hitch will mount to, I recommend the Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit # RP50087-58. This kit includes custom brackets that will use existing holes in your F-150's frame to simplify installation. The base rails are compatible with the Demco Recon.

Then, moving on to a suspension enhancement system for your Ford F-150, I actually recommend looking at the Air Lift LoadLIfter 5000 Air Helper Springs # AL57385 if you have 4WD or # AL57268 if you have 2WD. The Firestone Kits that you mentioned are a great option, however there is not a Firestone system available for your truck that will be compatible with a fifth wheel hitch installed. Because the AirLift system mounts to the bottom of the truck frame, it will not interfere with the brackets from a fifth wheel installation kit. This system will provide you with adjustable load-leveling capacity with its manual inflation valves and will do a really nice job of reducing the strain on your OEM suspension.

I have attached the installation instructions that you can check out.

Finally, for the trailer side, you will need to install a Reese Sidewinder Pin Box to give you the cab clearance needed when making sharp turns with the 5-1/2 foot bed on your truck. The exact model you need will depend on the pin box number for the trailer you purchase. Because the Sidewinders are designed to replace the factory pin box, you will need to locate the pin box number on your trailer. This information is typically stamped somewhere on the pin box itself.

For example, the Reese 5th Airborne w/ Sidewinder # RP61422 is designed for the Fabex 663 and 665, Lippert 0719 and 1621, and the M&M 663 and 665 pin box models. I have attached a great article on the Sidewinder that you might also find helpful.