How to Tow a Travelaire Rustler 5th Wheel Trailer Using a 2016 Ford F-150
Question:
I NEED WIDTH OF NOSE AND WEIGHT FOR PURCHASE OF FIFTH WHEEL HITCH FOR FORD F150 SHORT BOX
asked by: Boni
Expert Reply:
Travelaire which was the company who made the Travelaire Rustler 5th Wheel Trailer that you are asking about went out of business in 2010. Therefore, I would not be able to call the manufacturer and obtain information about the trailer using the VIN. I was however able to use an online VIN decoder but all that was able to tell me was that the trailer was made in 1998.
Based on my research all of the Travelaire 5th wheel trailers were 8' wide and the weight of them varied between 4,335 lbs to 7,535 lbs. If you can provide me with the floorplan (M-220, M-259, M252 etc) I could then provide you with the weight.
In order to tow this trailer with your 2016 Ford F-150 assuming the towing capacity is sufficient I recommend using the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # RP30047 with a sidewinder pin box if you have the 5-1/2' bed or the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider part # RP30051 if you have the 6-1/2' bed. In order to install either you will want to use the Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit part # RP50087-58.
If it turns out that you do have the 5-1/2 bed then in addition to the 5th wheel hitch you will also need to install a rotating pin box in order to achieve the proper cab clearance. I have attached these options for you below in addition to review videos on the above hitches. The make and model of the pin box would need to be obtained in order to pick the correct rotating pin box and the only way to do that in your case is to have access to the trailer.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 15 - 18 Inch Tall
- 10 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Reese
more information >
Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
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