Why Cant a Slider 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch be Used on a 2008 Toyota Tundra 5-1/2 Foot Bed
Question:
I am looking at a Reese 16K 5th wheel square slider hitch for my 2008 Toyota Tundra Crewmax short bed. My question is according to your documentation it not work? Why? Does something hit or not line up correctly? Im just trying to understand the differences between having a 6foot bed and a 5 1/2foot bed.
asked by: Randy C
Expert Reply:
With beds shorter than 6 feet long, like on your 2008 Toyota Tundra, you absolutely need to have a Sidewinder pin box and fixed hitch in order to make 90 degree turns without hitting the trailer and truck cab together. That 6 inches may not seem like a lot but it makes a huge difference and even some 6 and 6-1/2 foot beds would have to have a Sidewinder depending on how wide the trailer is.
Also, the slider in a 5-1/2 foot bed would not be able to slide back when the trailer is hitched up without hitting the truck tailgate so the tailgate would have to come off.
In order to determine if even a Sidewinder will work there are some measurements that you will need to take. First, if you are using a custom installation kit, # RP50084-58, then the center of the king pin will be 1-3/4 inches forward of the centerline of the rear axle. Measure from that point forward to the back of the truck cab. Then you will add 22 inches for the length of the Sidewinder arm.
The result needs to be at least 4 inches more than half the width of the trailer in order to make 90 degree turns without hitting the truck and trailer together.
If you were to use the semi-custom installation kit # RP30035-309, the king pin would be centered 3-1/2 inches forward of the axle centerline giving you even less clearance so I do not recommend it.
The other hurdle is that there are only Sidewinders available for certain OEM pin boxes. I would need to know the manufacturer and model number of the pin box to determine if there is one that will fit. This information should be on a sticker or plate on the OEM pin box.
I have linked instructions for the installation kits mentioned and for our informational article on Sidewinders for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit w Spacers for 5th Wheel Hitches - Toyota Tundra
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Universal
- Above the Bed
- 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 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 15 - 18 Inch Tall
- 10 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Reese
more information >
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