5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, Sidewinder, and Installation Kit for a 2006 Ford F-150 King Ranch Crew Cab

Question:

Please provide the the following products for a sidewinder to fit the following. 1. 5th wheel pin box no. Lippert 1621 2. 2006 F150 short box 3. crew cab, king ranch 4. 4wd I need to know everything needed to fit the sidewinder to the 5th wheel and truck including the required 5th wheel hitch for the truck bed. Please provide P/Ns.

asked by: Lynn R

Expert Reply:

There are 2 Sidewinders that will fit the Lippert 1621 pin box. First is the 20K capacity # RP34FR (shipping weight 205 pounds). If you are anywhere close to 16K I recommend going with the higher capacity Sidewinder to be safe. I have included instruction links for you.

You mentioned that you have a short bed. There are 2 short beds for the Ford F-150 for the 2006 model year; a 5-1/2 foot bed (which does require a Sidewinder), and a 6-1/2 foot bed which may only require a slider 5th wheel hitch and not a Sidewinder.

To determine if a Sidewinder or slider offers enough clearance to safely make 90 degree turns there is a formula you can follow. First, find the point in the truck bed that is 1-1/2 inches forward of the center of the rear axle. Then measure from there to the back of the truck cab. Add to this 22 inches for a Sidewinder OR 12 inches for a slider.

(If the king pin on the trailer sticks out in front of the trailer overhang, you can also add the distance from the center of the king pin to the front of the trailer. Or if the king pin is recessed back, subtract the distance from king pin center to the front of the trailer.)

Once you have everything added/subtracted as described above, record this as measurement A. Then measure the width of the trailer overhang and divide by 2 to get half. Call this measurement B. Take A and subtract B to get the amount of clearance you will have. You need at least positive 4 inches to safely make 90 degree turns. I have included a link to an FAQ that should also help.

For a trailer hitch, again it depends on if you just need a slider or if you need a fixed hitch and Sidewinder. The weight of the trailer also needs to be considered. For a 16K fixed hitch one of the most popular and best performing hitches is the Reese # RP30047. For a 16k slider go with # RP30075. Sidewinders cannot be used with slider hitches unless the slider always stays in the tow position. Otherwise it causes too much stress on the trailer, hitch, and truck.

For an installation kit use # RP50081-58. It fits either size short bed and either hitch. I have linked instructions and a video for you.