Does Reese Elite Series Slider Provide Enough Clearance on a 2011 Ford F-350 w/Factory Prep Package

Question:

I had the Ford under-the-bed prep package installed on my 2011 Ford 350 Crew Cab shortbed with the expectation that I would purchase a Reese Elite 18K with Slider# 30144 to tow my camper. I heard that the Reese Elite 18K with Slider# 30144 would not provide enough clearance from the cab because Ford designed their under-the-bed mount too close to the pickup cab. Is it true that the under-the-bed prep package with the Reese Elite 18K with Slider# 30144 will not provide the needed clearance? Have you heard of this problem lack of clearance from other 2011 and newer Ford shortbed owners who purchased the Reese Elite 18K with Slider# 30144? Thank you in advance for any information!

asked by: Paul C

Expert Reply:

There are many, many factors involved in determining clearance on any given truck and trailer combination. The placement of the Ford factory installed towing prep package is not an issue that I have heard of before now.

In order to determine if this set up will work for you there are some measurements you will need to take. First, the center of the hitch jaws should be directly above or slightly in front of the center line of the rear axle which exactly where you want it to be.

Measure from that point to the back of the truck cab and then add 10 inches. The 10 inches is the travel distance of the slider. Once you have this measurement, the next step is to measure the width of the 5th wheel trailer overhang and divide by 2 to get half.

If the first measurement, plus the 10 inches, is 4 inches or more than the second measurement, you will have no trouble making 90 degree turns.

Other factors include the type of pin box on the trailer. If the king pin extends out further than the trailer overhang, then you can add the distance from the center of the king pin back to the trailer overhang to that first measurement.

But the opposite is also true, if the king pin is recessed under the trailer then you have to subtract the distance from the king pin center to the front of the trailer overhang from that first measurement.

I have included a link to the instructions for installation kit # RP30126 which is what is in your truck. The various measurements and formulas can be found in them.