Recommendations for Creating Smooth Ride Towing 5th Wheel Trailer with 2015 Tundra Short Bed
Question:
My daughter is pulling a 9000 lb 5th wheel and I would like an upgraded version of your complete hitch setup for as smooth as possible ride 5-1/2 foot bed.
asked by: Charlie W
Expert Reply:
I definitely understand wanting to create as smooth a ride as possible for your daughter as she pulls a 5th wheel trailer, and we certainly have the components needed to make that happen.
Since her 2015 Toyota Tundra features the short 5-1/2 foot bed, the best general setup is going to be with a fixed (non-sliding) 5th wheel hitch and a rotating pin box on the trailer, such as the Reese Sidewinder. A rotating pin box is needed to create enough cab clearance when she's making sharper turns with the trailer attached.
Starting with the hitch itself, I highly recommend the Reese M5 # RP30928 because of its forged, single piece jaw that wraps completely around the trailer's king pin. This type of connection not only provides an extremely secure connection with the trailer but it's also one of the primary factors in creating a really smooth ride during travel. When you hear people talk about chucking or a rough, loud ride with when towing a 5th wheel trailer, the most common culprit is an economy-style jaw system that just allows for too much movement at the attachment point. This will not be the case at all with the Reese M5.
The M5 has more than enough capacity (20,000 pounds) for her trailer and it comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
If there aren't already base rails installed in the truck bed the Reese Quick-Install Kit # RP50084-58 will work perfectly. This kit includes custom mounting brackets that will use existing holes in the Tundra's frame rails for installation so you don't have to drill into them.
Then when picking out a rotating pin box, it's important to note the existing factory pin box model on the trailer. This is needed to ensure a compatible unit, as they are specifically designed to replace certain models and line up to the bolt pattern on the trailer's wing brackets.
Once you have that pin box model (feel free to also let me know the model and I will be happy to make a specific recommendation) I highly suggest going with a cushioned option such as the Reese 5th Airborne w/ Sidewinder # RP61412. This not only provides the needed cab clearance but it also features a fully enclosed air spring that does a great job of cushioning and absorbing road shock, further contributing to a comfortable ride. This particular unit is designed to replace the Lippert 1116, 1716 and 0115 pin boxes.
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 14 - 18 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
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