Finding Right 5th Wheel Hitch or Sidewinder for 2018 F-150 with 5-1/2 ft bed & Heavy Duty Tow Pkg.

Question:

Thank you for the math on GCWR and GVW. We are new to the RV towing world. Looking at Fifth wheel Rvs that have gross dry weights between 6500 and 8500 lbs. This seems to be a newer group of Rvs to appeal to those of us not wanting the bigger trucks. Several of the manufacturers say their pins for the fifth wheel hitch slide so that you dont need some of the hitch systems. Primarily aimed toward half ton p/us with short beds. What hitch/rail systems are they taking about? Specifically these companies,, Keystone Cougar, Grand Design Reflections, Flagstaff. Thank you for any info you can give. p.s. also any simple math formula calculations for axel tow weight, payload max

asked by: Julie L

Expert Reply:

With trailer manufacturers now adding on Sidewinder type pin boxes similar to the Reese # RP61422 as standard equipment, the goal is to make them not require a sliding 5th wheel hitch, while still providing some added clearance from the truck cab. That particular Reese Sidewinder provides 22" of added clearance away from the truck cab, which is better than most sliding 5th wheel hitches. The caveat is that you should only use one of these systems and not combine the two. So you'd either use a sliding hitch and standard pin box; or sliding/pivoting pin box with a standard 5th wheel hitch.

To use a Sidewinder pinbox, you need a 5th Wheel hitch like the Reese # RP30047 and the matching rails and installation kit # RP56034-53 specifically for your 2018 Ford F-150. You can use the Sidewinder FAQ linked below that has more details on the formula to determine how much clearance you require on your vehicle, but in short it is going to be: (A+B)-C = Clearance

A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab

B = Length of Sidewinder arm (Which is 22")

C = Width of trailer's nose divided by 2 (to get half)

When manufacturers refer to sliding hitches, they're referring to something similar to the Demco Hijacker Autoslide # DM8550035 or something similar; many manufacturers are making them because of the popularity of short bed pickups. This is to limit the possibility of your 5th Wheel trailer hitting the cab of the truck when navigating a sharp turn, as it allows the hitch to move backwards away from the cab creating more clearance; these are almost a necessity in trucks with 6-1/2 ft beds or smaller. With most sliding 5th wheel hitches, you have to get out of the truck and engage the slider on the 5th wheel hitch. The Demco offers "Auto-Slide" technology so that you don't have to get in and out of your truck when you want to back up, or need to make a tight turn.

In regards to max payload and towing capacity, your best resource for that is going to be your owner's manual and/or dealer spec sheet sticker. From what I could research, the payload capacity varies on the 2018 F-150 from 1125-lbs up to 2300-lbs depending on the exact specs of your truck. Keep in mind, this is the capacity of the cab, passengers and truck bed load; your actual towing capacity with a rear frame mounted trailer hitch will be between 5000-8000 lbs depending on your exact trim package and this information can also be found on your dealer sticker or the spec sticker on the door where you find the VIN number.