Sidewinder and Custom Rail Kit for Putting a 5th Wheel Hitch in a 2011 Ford F150 Crew Cab

Question:

I have a ProSeries 15000 slider currently installed in a 6.5foot bed Chevrolet. Can this be installed in a 2011 Ford F150 Crew cab with a 5.6foot bed? Is there a universal install kit? The trailer has a 12inch pin box extension

asked by: Jay D

Expert Reply:

There is a semi-custom rail kit available for your 2011 Ford F150 with a 5.5 ft bed. The rail kit you would need is a Reese Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit # RP50081-58. I attached installation instructions for this product for you to check out also.

However, since your truck bed is less than 6 feet you are going to have to use a Sidewinder pin box to allow you to have enough clearance to make a 90 degree turn with your truck and trailer. I attached an FAQ on Sidewinders and trucks with beds less than 6 feet long for you to check out.

You will be able to use your slider hitch with the Sidewinder, but you can not put the slider in the maneuver (rearmost) position while using a trailer with a Sidewinder. This would put too much weight too far back in the bed of your truck and would lighten the front end of your truck and cause braking and handling issues. With a Sidewinder you will never need to use the slider as you will have enough clearance as is.

Sidewinders are pin box specific, you will need to know the model pin box you have on your trailer and then check out the chart I attached that shows the Sidewinder applications and you will be ready to pick out the correct Sidewinder.

expert reply by: Jameson C