Best 5th Wheel Hitch, Air Bags, & Compressor For 2WD 2017 Ford F-150 w/ 5-1/2 Bed, Rotating Pin Box

Question:

Hi, my wife and I just bought a new 5th wheel, a 2020 Grand Design Reflection 150 series 278BH with the Lippert turning point pin box. We have a 2017 Ford F150 Lariat, 2 wheel drive, 5.0L Crew cab with the 3.31 gears, and a 5.5 foot box. I am looking for recommendations for an air bag system with onboard compressor and Bluetooth controls. I also want a recommendation for a light weight 5th wheel hitch that will work with the airbags and my trucks short bed. I have been advised to avoid a sliding hitch and the Lippert in the same set up too many moving parts is the conventional wisdom. I know the Anderson ultimate has a great reputation as a light weight hitch, but also know a gooseneck ball system does not work with the pivoting pin box also too many moving/pivoting parts please help with a recommendation that makes this all work.

asked by: Brad W

Expert Reply:

Thanks for all that great information, and you are correct that the Andersen can't be used with a rotating pin box like your Lippert Turning Point. You will need a fixed 5th wheel hitch for your 5-1/2 foot bed 2017 Ford F-150, and while there isn't an option as light as the Andersen, there is one that is more manageable than the rest while offering an excellent ride while being compatible with a rotating pin box, which is from Curt:

-Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs # C16115
-Custom Sidewinder Wedge For E-Series # C16991

For the base rails, I highly recommend a custom installation kit that doesn't require any drilling into your F-150's frame, which is good for your truck, and saves a lot of time during the install; the custom fit for your '17 F-150 is from Reese:

- Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit with Base Rails # RP50087-58

You will also need a 5th wheel wiring harness if you don't have one, the Pollak 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Wiring Harness for Aluminum Truck Beds # PK11893-11932-010.

Then for the air bags, you will need an option from Air Lift, as they are compatible with a 5th wheel hitch and base rails; the correct fit for your 2WD 2017 F-150 is the following:

- Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs # AL57268

These air bags will offer a great deal of added support to your F-150's suspension when you are towing your Grand Design, and are compatible with a compressor. For that, there is one that will automatically maintain the pressure you set and is wireless with Bluetooth, which is the Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System for Air Helper Springs - Bluetooth - EZ Mount # AL58WQ.