Towing 5th Wheel Trailer with 2018 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed
Question:
thank for the advice. Im going to move forward in purchasing what you suggested, and you saved me time. One more question Okay I found out my towing capacity is 12700pds, though a fifth wheel recommendation is 10,700, my payload capacity is 2,050pds. My truck is made up of heavy duty for towing. However if Im looking a 5th wheel that is 8400pds, tongue weight 1600. It looks as though with the hitch you suggested is a total of about 200pds. So to me it sounds like the above trailer is within the specs mentioned that it is okay. Just based on the numbers above-ur thoughts? or would I be pushing to close
asked by: Robert D
Helpful Expert Reply:
I was able to pull up the online towing specs for your 2018 Ford F-150 and it looks like there is still a somewhat large potential range even within the specs that you provided depending on your axle ratio, drivetrain, and wheelbase. At the low end on your F-150 SuperCrew with the 3.5 V6 engine it shows a 5th wheel towing capacity of 6,500 pounds for the 4X4 model with a 145 inch wheelbase and the 3.55 axle ratio. At the high end your F-150 can have a 5th wheel towing capacity of up to 11,500 pounds for the 4X2 model with the 3.55 axle ratio, 157 inch wheelbase, and 20 inch tires and wheels.
Considering this range I highly recommend checking your copy of the owner's manual for information more accurate to your exact model truck. You can also visit a local Ford dealer with your VIN and they should be able to provide you with exact specs.
The actual length of the trailer is not really a concern as long as you stay within the weight limits of your truck.
As you mentioned in your question with a 5-1/2 foot bed you will need a Sidewinder Pin Box (or similar rotating pin box model) on the trailer in order to make sharp turns without the trailer hitting the cab. I have attached a link that will take you to our selection along with a helpful article that explains how to choose the correct one.
Then for the actual fixed 5th wheel hitch I recommend taking a look at the Reese 16K # RP30047 that features a 2-jaw locking system to provide a secure connection with the trailer along with a quiet ride. Its 4-Way pivoting head also eases hookup and the 16,000 pound towing capacity will give you plenty of safety margin.
Then for the base rails the Quick-Install Installation Kit # RP50087-58 will work perfectly and the included custom brackets will eliminate the need to drill into the frame of your truck.
I have attached a couple short video demonstrations that you can check out as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
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 >
Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Jounce-Style Springs
- Extra Heavy Duty
- Timbren
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Video: Curt Fifth Wheel Kit Installation - 2019 Ford F-150
- Shop: Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ford - Gloss Finish
- Shop: Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ford - Carbide Black Finish
- Shop: B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: Curt CrossWing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 20K
- Video: Reese Quick-Install 5th Wheel Base Rails Installation - 2016 Ford F-150
- Shop: RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit - Heavy Duty
- Video: Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Installation - 2019 Ford F-150
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Q&A: What Wedge Kit for B&W Hitch and Turning Point Pin Box
- Video: Curt Crosswing Lightweight 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Review
- Search Results: fifth wheel hitch rails
- Video: Review of CURT Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Custom - C79BR
- Q&A: 5th Wheel Hitch for 2018 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed
- Q&A: Best 5th Wheel Clearance For 2016 Ford F150 With 5.5 Bed, Also Weight
- Q&A: Sliding B&W 5th Wheel Hitch That Fits 2018 Ford F-150
- Q&A: What Is Best 5th Wheel Hitch Option For 2019 Ford F-150 With 5-1/2' Bed
- Q&A: Correct Rail Kit for B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Hitch On 2021 Ford F-150
- Q&A: Recommended RAS Suspension Kit for a 2WD 2018 Ford F-150
- Shop: RV Bike Racks
- Article: The Best 5th Wheel Hitches
- Video: Curt Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring - Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring - C57008 Review
on Fifth Wheel Hitch
Steve D.
3/7/2019
thank for the advice. Im going to move forward in purchasing what you suggested, and you saved me time. One more question Okay I found out my towing capacity is 12700pds, though a fifth wheel recommendation is 10,700, my payload capacity is 2,050pds. My truck is made up of heavy duty for towing. However if Im looking a 5th wheel that is 8400pds, tongue weight 1600. It looks as though with the hitch you suggested is a total of about 200pds. So to me it sounds like the above trailer is within the specs mentioned that it is okay. Just based on the numbers above-ur thoughts? or would I be pushing to close