Clearance Recommendation For a Rockwood Signature 5th Wheel With a 2012 Ford F-150 With 5-1/2 Bed
Question:
I just bought a brand new Rockwood Signature Ultra Light fifth wheel travel trailer. I also just had my first trailer to cab window glass breakage. I am new to RVing and need to know what I need in the way of hitching clearance for my 5 1/2 ft short bed pickup truck.
asked by: Joe
Expert Reply:
Since your 2012 Ford F-150 has a 5-1/2 ft bed, you will need to replace the pin box on your Rockwood Signature Ultra Light Fifth Wheel trailer with a Sidewinder pin box.
To determine which sidewinder pin box is the correct replacement for your trailer, we will need to know the make and model of your current pin box which can be found on a sticker or stamped into the pin box. If you do not know the make and model, then you can take a few measurements to determine which pin box you have.
I have attached an FAQ article on measuring your pin box that shows you where to measure and it includes a chart that will help you determine which pin box you have based on your measurements. I have also attached an article on sidewinder pin boxes. There is a chart that will tell you the correct sidewinder pin box replacement for your current pin box.
If you can send me the make and model or the measurements of your current pin box, then I can recommend the correct sidewinder pin box for you.
I would also recommend taking some measurements to ensure that you can safely make a 90 degree turn with a sidewinder pin box. To start, measure from the center of your fifth wheel hitch jaw to the cab of the truck and add 22 inches for the length of a sidewinder pin box (measurement A).
Next, measure the width of your fifth wheel trailer and divide that by 2 (measurement B). Finally, subtract measurement B from measurement A to get the amount of clearance you will have. You will need at least 4 inches of clearance to safely make a 90 degree turn.
