Can a 2008 Toyota Tundra with 5-1/2 Foot Bed Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

I have a 2008 Toyota Tundra with a 5 1/2 foot bed, I was looking at a Reese slider 16k hitch #30047A. Would this hitch work with my truck?

asked by: David

Expert Reply:

I do have a great solution for you but first a little background information. A slider hitch is not going to work on a truck with a bed shorter than 6 feet long. The issue is that the slider will not offer enough travel for you to be able to make tight turns without hitting the truck and trailer together. You would also have to remove the truck tailgate to even slide the hitch back.

The first thing you are going to need for your 2008 Toyota Tundra 5-1/2 foot bed is an installation kit. For a custom kit you can use # RP50084-58. Custom kits require less drilling and install faster compared to semi-custom kit, # RP30035-309, which also fits your truck.

Then you will need a hitch. A good 16K hitch that is economical is the Reese hitch # RP30047. It features a 4-Way pivoting head and a double jaw. For a 20K use # RP30928.

You probably noticed that these are both fixed hitches. This was no mistake. A fixed hitch is needed because in order to tow a 5th wheel trailer with your 5-1/2 foot bed Tundra you will have to equip the trailer with a Sidewinder pin box.

The only catch is that not all trailers can be fitted with a Sidewinder. You will need to look at the trailer pin box for a sticker or plate that has the manufacturer and model number on it. Then compare that information to the chart at the bottom of the Sidewinder info page I have linked for you.

The Sidewinder will move the pivot point back 22 inches from where it would normally be with the trailer coupled to the hitch. This is at least 10 inches more clearance than a slider hitch can provide.

I know this is a lot of information so if you have questions send me an email and I will be happy to help.