How To Determine What Sidewinder Is Needed For Towing With a 2018 Ford F-150 Super Short Bed

Question:

Hello, I have a 2018 F150 with a 5.5foot bed. I am shopping for a 5th wheel RV and I realize I need a sliding hitch and a Sidewinder adapter. In reading the specs on the sidewinder, it appears they are specific to the trailers kingpin. Since I dont have the RV yet, how do I know there is an available Sidewinder that will work with what I buy? By the way, I have never owned an RV, so all this is new to me. Thanks!

asked by: Kevin C

Helpful Expert Reply:

Actually, for your 2018 Ford F-150 with a 5-1/2' bed you will need a rotating king pin such as the Reese Sidewinder and a fixed 5th wheel hitch, not a sliding 5th wheel hitch. In order to find out which Reese Sidewinder is correct, you can look on the wings for a sticker if it is a newer trailer or you can measure the bolt spacing if it is an older trailer. There is no way to tell without this unless you got the VIN and then called the manufacturer ahead of time. The most common is a Lippert 1621, the Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret part # RP34FR.

If I were you, I would negotiate the price of buying and installing the Reese Sidewinder on the trailer before pick that way you can take your 2018 Ford F-150 with a fixed 5th wheel hitch installed, I recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # RP30047 with the Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit part # RP50087-58 and hit the road.

expert reply by: Conner L