Adapters for Towing 5th Wheel Hitch with Gooseneck Hitch in Short Bed 2007 F-250

Question:

Will the Convert-a-ball adapter, item number CAB-C5G, work on a 2007 Ford F-250 with a 68inch bed? Id like to avoid installing a fifth wheel hitch. Do you have any other recommendations?

asked by: Joseph H

Expert Reply:

Unless your 5th wheel trailer has a sharply tapered nose to improve its turning clearance you will not have enough space between the trailer and the truck cab by using the Convert-A-Ball Adapter # CAB-C5G. There are offset adapters such as Convert-A-Ball # CAB-C5GX1216 and the Ranch Hitch # AM3139 but these still do not give enough clearance to make 90-degree turns with a 5-1/2-foot (68-inch) short bed pickup.

A very short bed (5-1/2-foot) truck like yours cannot even use a sliding type 5th wheel hitch because they just don't provide enough clearance to make tight turns. Trucks like your need to use a standard fixed 5th wheel hitch and a replacement 5th wheel pin box that pivots. These pivoting pin boxes are called by the names Sidewinder, Revolution and Turning Point. All bolt up in place of the OEM pin box and they change the actual pivot point for the trailer, moving it back by 22-inches. This is the only safe way to tow a standard 5th wheel in a short bed.

An article on Sidewinders is included for reference.

expert reply by: Adam R