Can a Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch Be Used with a Sidewinder on a 2006 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed

Question:

I am going to pull a 26foot 5th wheel with my work truck. A 2011 F150 with 6 1/2 foot bed so i am going to purchase a slider hitch. My question is if i quit this job can i use that same slider hitch in my 2006 F150 with a 5 1/2 foot bed after purchasing a sidewinder as long as i dont slide the hitch or must i purchase a fixed hitch for that truck? Thank you.

asked by: Merrill C

Expert Reply:

A slider hitch with a Sidewinder can be used on your 2006 Ford F-150 with a 5-1/2 foot bed, but you will have to lock the slider hitch to keep it from moving. A Sidewinder cannot be used on a slider hitch that will slide because sliding the king pin back with the Sidewinder attached can cause the pin weight to be too far back on the vehicle. This will cause unsafe conditions such as reduced steering performance and overloading of the rear suspension.

Another option, depending on which hitch you purchase, you could buy the just the fixed hitch legs and install the hitch head and crossmember into the fixed hitch legs. An example of that would be if you have the Reese Fifth Wheel Head with Crossmember, part # RP30047A, off of your original slider hitch, you could purchase the Reese Fixed Hitch Base Legs, part # RP30727.

This will allow you to bolt the fifth wheel hitch from your slider onto the # RP30727 fixed hitch legs and have a fixed fifth wheel hitch to install on your 2006 Ford F-150 with a 5-1/2 foot bed. Then, you will choose the correct Sidewinder for your trailers pin box.

I am including a couple of links to FAQ pages on fifth wheel hitches and Sidewinders.

expert reply by: Jeff D