How to Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer Using a 2013 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed

Question:

Looking for a fifth wheel hitch.

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

In order to tow a 5th wheel trailer with your 2013 Ford F-150 that has a 5-1/2' bed you are going to need to use a fixed 5th wheel hitch and a rotating pin box. The reason for this is because the amount of turning clearance you have with a 5-1/2' bed is severely limited so you will need to extend the connection point back away from the cab in order to prevent the loft of the trailer from coming in contact.

For a fixed 5th wheel hitch, I recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # RP30047 with the Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit part # RP50081-58. The Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch has a 16,000 lb towing capacity which should be plenty for your needs and it has a four way pivoting head for hitching on unlevel ground. The Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit as the name states is a custom kit which means you don't have to drill into the frame for installation. I also recommend using the Mighty Cord 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Wiring Harness part # A10-7007.

In order to recommend the correct rotating pin box for you I would need to know the make and model of the pin box on your trailer now. If you can provide me with this I would be happy to go over some options but if not you may want to take a look at the rotating pin box help article which is attached for you.

expert reply by: Conner L