Best Option for Towing a Fifth Wheel Trailer with a 2008 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 ft Bed
Question:
We have a 2008 Ford F150 with a 5.5foot bed. A gooseneck under-bed hitch has been installed. We also have a 1985 Wilderness Lite 19foot 5th wheel trailer that wed like to tow but we are needing some information on whether we can do this or not by using an adaptor/coupler. We all ready have an offset pin, but are concerned about measurements for distance between trailer/cab of pickup, etc. Can you help?
asked by: C. H
Expert Reply:
Since you have such a short truck bed in your 2008 Ford F-150 you would have a very difficult time towing your 5th wheel trailer. I can guarantee you won't have enough clearance to make tight turns.
Here is the formula for determining clearance though:
(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from the gooseneck ball to the truck cab
B = Offset used
C = Width of the nose of the trailer divided by 2.
The only way you would be able to tow your trailer without hitting the cab of your truck with your trailer would be to replace the gooseneck hitch in the bed of your truck with a fifth wheel hitch and rails and then replace the pin box of your trailer with a Sidewinder.
For rails I would recommend a custom kit since they install quicker and minimize drilling, part # RP50081-58. For an economical hitch you could get the # RP30047.
Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have know in order to pick out the correct one.
There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.
Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- 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
Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter - 12" to 16" Tall - 20,000 lbs
- Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters
- Adapts Trailer
- Fifth Wheel Trailer to Gooseneck Hitch
- No Offset
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Bolts Over King Pin
- Adjustable Height
- King Pin Adapters
- Convert-A-Ball
more information >
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