Can I Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer with a 2002 Ford F-150 with a 5-1/2 Foot Bed

Question:

I have a 2002 f150 with a 5 1/2 foot bed. I see there is no option to put bed length in on vehicle type. I bought a curt E16 fifth wheel and looking for the rails and mounting bracket. Was looking at the the no drill one.

asked by: Lloyd L

Expert Reply:

I'll start by saying that we do not recommend that you install a fifth wheel hitch on a 2002 Ford F-150 with the 5-1/2 foot bed. You would have to use a Sidewinder pin box with a standard hitch, which moves the pivot point back 22 inches toward the tailgate; and even with the Sidewinder installed on your vehicle you will not get enough clearance between the truck cab and your fifth wheel when making a 90 degree turn. We recommend at least 4 inches of clearance and with the Sidewinder it will only give maybe 2 inches on the earlier Ford F-150 5-1/2 foot beds. Additionally, a slider hitch like the E16 will interfere with the tailgate on the 2001 Ford F150 Super Crew with the 5-1/2 foot bed.

There are custom installation kits for the 2004 and newer Ford F150 Super Crew models with the 5-1/2 foot bed, because they will have more clearance then the earlier Super Crew 5-1/2 foot bed models. If you wanted to try to do this anyways, the Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Ford Brackets # RP30035-426 would be what I recommend using since it's a universal bracket. It's unlikely that you'll be able to complete a 90 degree turn with this truck, but it would allow you to use it in a pinch. Installation will require drilling but there is not a no-drill installation set of rails and brackets available for your short bed F-150.

I've linked a review and installation video of this rail and bracket set for you to check out.

expert reply by: Erik B