Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch for a 2012 Ford F-250 Short Bed With Factory Tow Prep Package
Question:
HAVE JUST ORDERED A NEW 2012 F-250 CREW CAB WITH THE 6 3/4 BED WITH FORDS 5TH WHEEL/GOOSENECK PREP PKG.EXTRA CROSS MEMBER ETC. HAVE NOT YET DECIDED AS TO WHAT TRAILER I WILL PURCHASE. LOOKING AT A 5TH WHEEL IN THE 30 8000 # RANGE WITH HITCH WEIGHT IN THE 1300# RANGE. WHAT TYPE OF HITCH SHOULD I BE LOOKING FOR. DO I NEED AN EXTENDED PIN BOX ON THE TRAILER. ANY HELP WOULD BE APPRECIATED.
asked by: FREDERICK W
Expert Reply:
The 2012 Ford Super Duty trucks with the Ford factory tow prep package are using the Reese Elite Series rails. These rails can only be used with the Reese Elite Series hitches.
The fifth wheel hitch that is designed to fit the hitch prep package on your 2012 Ford F-250 Crew Cab 6-3/4 foot bed is the Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider and Wiring Harness, part # RP30144. This is a slider hitch with a gross towing weight capacity of 18,000 lbs. I am including a link to the installation instructions on the Reese slider hitch.
On trucks with beds shorter than 8 feet, it is recommended that you install a slider fifth wheel hitch and an extended pin box to help compensate for the reduced turning clearance. The Reese Elite slider hitch will add 10 inches of travel towards the tailgate which allows the vehicle to make normal turns during low-speed maneuvering and the extended pin box (minimum 13 inches) creates even more space between the truck cab and the trailer.
I am including a link to a FAQ page on fifth wheel hitches and a link to a FAQ page that will describe the Ford trailer tow prep package.
