5th Wheel Hitch Installation Kit Options for 2012 Ford F-150 Crew Cab with 5-1/2-foot Bed

Question

Question:

I need rails and mounting hardware for a 2012 f-150 crew cab with a 5foot 6inch bed Will the universal kit work, if not what do I need. Thanks

asked by: Jeff S

0

Expert Reply:

There are three basic types of 5th wheel base rail installation kits: universal kits like the Reese # RP30035 that you referenced; semi-custom kits such as Reese # RP30035-426 that cost a bit more but reduce drilling and install time; and custom under-bed-bracket installation kits that require the least drilling and shortest time for installation, such as Reese kit # RP50081-58. I have linked an installation video for each of these.

Any of these base rail kits will allow for installation of an industry-standard 5th wheel hitch.

Please note that your short-bed truck requires use of a Sidewinder pin pox on your 5th wheel trailer in order to safely provide adequate clearance between the trailer and the truck.

I have included a link to our page for Sidewinder pin boxes where you can find a suitable replacement for the standard pin box on your trailer if it is so equipped. Sidewinder pin boxes are matched based on the original pin box part number. I have also included a helpful article concerning Sidewinders.

expert reply by: Adam R

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Answer 1

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two…

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Answer 2

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 3

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 4

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 5

The Ram OEM 5th wheel puck system, shown in the linked photo and article, was launched in 2013 so what you have in your truck is likely to be an aftermarket installation of some kind. These newer Ram trucks with the factory prep can directly accept a…

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Answer 6

If you take a look at the linked diagram you can see the minimum recommended clearance distances between truck and trailer for 5th wheel towing. It is recommended to have at least 5-inches from the top of the bed rails to the bottom of the trailer…

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Answer 7

To get the B&W Patriot #BWRVK3200 to work with your 2006 Dodge Ram you're going to need a set of 5th wheel rails #DM8552016-71. These rails are custom fit to your vehicle so they'll just bolt right up to the frame. It is worth mentioning…

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Answer 8

Yes, you are going to also need the Demco Autoslide Capture Plates for Trailair Rota-Flex Pin Boxes #DM6171 when using the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider #DM8550040 with your Road Armor pin box. For a suspension enhancement I…

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Answer 9

The B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package #BWRVK3775 you're looking at will work fine with your new Chevrolet Silverado. This hitch has 3 height adjustments so you'll be able to set the hitch height…

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Answer 10

Yes you are - all 5th wheel hitches are going to require some type of rails in order to be used. So you'd need #DM8552016-71 for your 2006 Dodge Ram.

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Answer 11

You do not have to use a sliding 5th wheel hitch in a short bed truck. In many cases, truck beds shorter than 8 ft do not have enough clearance between the trailer and truck to execute sharp turns. This is why sliding hitches were invented. Due to…

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Answer 12

Having the puck system is a great feature. If you ever plan on loading the bed with mulch, sand or rock you'll quickly find that having rails permanently bolted to the bed floor is a real pain. Not only that, but the pucks look a lot better.…

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