5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Installation Kit Recommendation for a 2014 Ford F-150 Short Bed
Question:
I have a 2014 Ford F150 Crew Cab and 6 1/2 ft. bed. I have a Puma 281RBKS fifth wheel on order. Where I store trailer, it is necessary to have a fifth wheel that can be coupled and uncoupled at sharp angles. The auto sliders all seem to be restricted to 15-16 degrees to couple. I have looked at the manual sliders and also the Sidewinder. Could you give me several recommendations. Would like fifth wheel that leaves clean bed when removed. Thanks
asked by: Don S
Expert Reply:
For a 5th wheel trailer hitch that, when removed, leaves a clean bed in your 2014 Ford F-150 short bed you can use the B and W installation kit # BWGNRK1104-5W with slider Companion 5th wheel trailer hitch # BWRVK3400-5W. The slider provides 12 inches of travel for clearance when making tight turns.
To determine if the slider hitch will provide enough clearance you will have to take some measurements. Once installed the centerline of the hitch will be approximately 45-1/8 inches forward from the rear edge of the bed (not the tailgate).
From that point measure to the back of the truck cab and then add 12 inches (for the travel of the slider). The measurement you come up with has to be 4 inches more than half the width of the 5th wheel trailer overhang in order to safely make 90 degree turns without hitting the truck and trailer together.
If this does not provide you with enough clearance then you will need to use a different hitch and installation kit. The other installation kits have above the bed rails so the bed would not be 100 percent clear when the hitch is removed.
For above the bed rails you can use installation kit # HT31564-686. Then, to get the most clearance, you will need a fixed 5th wheel hitch and a Sidewinder (if available for the trailer pin box). For a compatible 16K hitch use # HT31326-31314. And for a compatible 26k hitch use # HT31318-31325.
To determine if a Sidewinder is available you would need the pin box manufacturer and model number that is on a plate or sticker on the pin box. Then you can use our Sidewinder help article, linked, and the chart at the bottom of it to determine if there is a pin box that fits. For example the # RP34FR will fit a 1621 bolt pattern which is very commonly used. The Sidewinder will move the trailer pivot point back 22 inches which I am sure will be more than enough clearance.
Products Referenced in This Question
Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Below the Bed
- B and W
more information >
B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- B and W
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel King Pin
- Upgraded Pin Box
- Provides Turning Clearance
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Rotating Turret
- Fabex 663
- Fabex 665
- Lippert 0719
- Lippert 1621
- Lippert 1621HD
- M and M 663
- M and M 665
- Lippert Rhino
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Curt Custom, No-Drill Fifth Wheel Bracket Kit for Ford F150
- Shop: Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ford - Carbide Finish
- Shop: Adapter Rails for Curt 5th Wheel Hitch - Dodge Ram Towing Prep Package
- Shop: Demco 5th Wheel Rail Adapter for Ford OEM 5th Wheel Towing Prep Package - 25,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: Adapter Rails for Curt 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package
- Shop: Adapter Rails for Curt 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Ram Towing Prep Package
- Search Results: lippert turning point pin box
- Search Results: turning point pin box
- Video: Curt Fifth Wheel - Fixed Fifth Wheel - C16115 Review
- Search Results: curt e16
- Search Results: road armor pin box
- Search Results: sidewinder turret
- Search Results: turning point
- Search Results: sidewinder fifth wheel hitch
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: Choosing the Best Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Q&A: How to Determine Correct Height Setting for 5th Wheel Hitch
on Fifth Wheel King Pin
