Fifth Wheel Hitch and Rail Kit for 2018 Ford F-150 5-1/2 bed for Use with Sidewinder

Question:

I have a 2018 F150 super crew cab and am looking at getting a 1/2 ton towable 5th wheel. I like the idea of this instead of a slider hitch. What would be the best 5th wheel hitch to use with this in my setup?

asked by: Craig S

Expert Reply:

Sidewinders really are a great solution for towing with a short bed truck since you don't have to use a slider hitch. But for trucks with shorter than 6 foot beds like your 2018 Ford F-150 they are one of only a few viable options since even the standard slider hitches would not provide enough clearance.

So for a fifth wheel hitch you'd need to go with a fixed hitch like the Reese # RP30047 and a custom fifth wheel rail kit like part # RP50087-58. The custom rail kits are definitely the way to go since the minimize drilling and install time quite a bit. You'll need a wedge too to lock out the hitch to the Sidewinder which for that you'd want the part # SWW-03.

Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have now in order to pick out the correct one.

There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.

Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.