Will 5th Wheel Pin Weight be Too Much for a Ford Pickup with Aluminum Bed

Question:

I’m told by the manager of a RV-camper retail place. That I should not buy a new Ford due to the aluminum frame. It’s not the towing compasity He swears to haul this Montana “5th wheel” 41’ long 16,500 pounds I need a pin weight of 3,000 or higher. He said fords is 2,600 now the “pin weight” He says it’s all in the “pin weight” Can you explain to me if this is true or explain to me. Thanks

asked by: Billy

Expert Reply:

Even though Ford seemed to get a lot of backlash for moving to an aluminum bed (not frame), some of the other pickup manufacturers are actually looking at releasing their upcoming lines with aluminum beds (as of August 2018).

When it comes to 5th wheel or even gooseneck towing, the brackets for the system are installed on the steel frame of the pickup. This means that you won't be relying on the "weaker" (as some have put it) aluminum bed to carry your pin weight.

If you lookup the specs for any Ford pickup you will simply need to make sure that the payload capacity is higher than the pin weight of your 5th wheel trailer. Ford has tested their pickups and will not put a weight rating out there that they have not safely tested. If you currently have a Ford pickup that has a payload capacity that is lower than the pin weight of your 5th wheel then yes, you will need a different pickup, but you would be perfectly fine using a Ford pickup that has an aluminum bed.

expert reply by: Jon G