Fifth Wheel Recommendation For 2004 Ford F-150 Super Crew With 5.5 Foot Bed
Question:
I want to put a hitch in my super crew with a 5.5 ft box everything I see is for a 6 ft box
asked by: Adam
Helpful Expert Reply:
While we do not have a fifth-wheel hitch with a slider for your 2004 Ford F-150 Super Crew with the 5.5-foot bed, we do have options that will allow you to use a fifth wheel with your vehicle.
With your cargo box being so short, you will need the ability to make sharp turns without your trailer hitting your truck. To do this, I recommend using a Sidewinder, a device that moves your pivot point closer to the rear of your tow vehicle allowing you to make 90-degree turns. To find the right Sidewinder for your trailer, you will need to get the pin box make and model number from the pin box.
Once you have done this, go to the link I have provided to our FAQ page on Sidewinders to find the right one for you.
Once you have this information, you will need to find an installation kit and the proper spot to place your fifth wheel. I recommend the Reese Kit # RP50081-58. Based on the instructions (I have provided a link to them for you), the king pin center will be placed 1-1/2 inches forward of the center of the rear axle. Then, measure forward to the back of the cab and then add 22 inches for the length of the Sidewinder.
After that, measure the width of the trailer overhang and divide that by 2 to get half. The distance from the truck cab to the king pin center, plus the 22-inch measurement, must be at least 4 inches more than half the width of the trailer in order to make 90-degree turns without hitting the truck cab with the trailer.
If you have found that a Sidewinder will work for you, the fifth wheel hitch I recommend is the M5 Series, part # RP30928. It is a compatible fit for the rails I have recommended and has a gross towing weight of 20,000 lbs with a pin weight of 5,000.
I have also provided a link to a video showing the installation of this rail installation kit on a 2004 Ford F-150.
You will also need a wiring harness to use with this fifth wheel. I recommend the Bargman Custom Fit Wiring # 51-97-410. It is 9-feet long, is designed with a 90-degree angle to fit into tight spaces, and works with your factory-installed 7-way connector.
For a fifth-wheel with a different GTW, I have provided a link to our other Reese hitches that are compatible for your 2004 Ford F-150 Super Crew truck. If this does not work out for you, let me know and I will further research this issue.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
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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