5th Wheel Hitch for 2018 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed

Question:

I have a 2018 Ford F-150 with a 5-1/2 foot bed. What do I need to tow a 5th wheel trailer?

asked by: Evan

Expert Reply:

In order to tow a fifth-wheel trailer with your 2018 Ford F-150 that has a 5-1/2 foot bed you will need a fixed hitch and a pin box on the trailer that features a rotating turret like a Reese Sidewinder. On a short bed truck like yours a sliding hitch still doesn't provide enough cab clearance for making sharp turns, so the only option is a pin box like this that extends the pivot point back 22 inches from the king pin.

Starting with the hitch, I highly recommend the Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30928. This hitch features a premium single-piece forged jaw that will wrap completely around the king pin. What this does on top of providing a safe and secure connection to the trailer is allow for a much smoother ride with reduced rattle and noise. It also has a wide funnel that will make for easier hookup. The hitch has a 20,000 pound towing weight capacity.

For a base rail kit the Reese Quick-Install Installation Kit # RP56034-53 will work perfectly. The kit includes custom frame brackets that will use existing holes in the truck's frame so you don't have to actually drill into it.

Then for the correct Reese Sidewinder to install on the trailer you will need to identify its existing pin box model. This information is usually stamped right onto the king pin itself or located on a sticker. For example the Sidewinder # RP34FR is designed to replace the Lippert 0719, 1621, and 1621HD, the Fabex 663 and 665, and the M&M 663 and 665 pin boxes.

expert reply by: Chris R