5th Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2015 Ford F-150 with 6-3/4-foot Bed and Factory Prep Package  

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Expert Reply:

Short-bed pickups like your 2015 Ford F-150 with the 6-3/4-foot bed pose a clearance challenge for 5th wheel towing. There are two ways to increase turning clearance to prevent the trailer's overhang from coming into contact with the truck's cab during tight maneuvers. One solution is a sliding hitch that requires you to exit the truck and release the slide mechanism before making your low-speed turns; and the other is replacement pin box called a Sidewinder that provides 22-inches of additional clearance between the truck and trailer by moving the pivot point back from the hitch to the rear of the pin box. Note that slider hitches are not compatible with Sidewinder pin boxes unless the slider remains locked in its forward position at all times.

In cases like yours I recommend the Sidewinder route because it avoids the need to manually release the slider hitch and also gives you the opportunity to upgrade your pin box to an air-cushioned type for improved ride quality.

The fixed 5th wheel hitch you referenced, the 20K Reese M5 Series # RP30921, is a great choice for your Ford with factory tow prep package (as long as it is not a flare-side or step-side bed) and is fully compatible with a Sidewinder pin box. This hitch includes a wiring harness and features ride-quality-enhancing features like a 4-way pivoting head, extra-wide 9-inch funnel and a forged single-piece self-latching jaw that wraps around king pin to ensure excellent jaw-to-king-pin contact. This helps prevent rattle.

You will select a Sidewinder replacement pin box based on your original pin box part number. This should be indicated on a sticker or stamping on the pin box itself. Once you know your current pin box number you can use the article linked for you to see the compatible Sidewinder pin box options.

Let's say for example that your pin box is a Lippert 1116, 1716 or 0115. In this case you can use the 5th Airborne Premium 5th Wheel Air Ride King Pin # RP61412. This unit includes an air spring that absorbs road shock. Horizontal shock (chucking) is reduced by nearly 60-percent; vertical shock is reduced by over 40-percent and overall vibration is reduced. An air-cushioned pin box will also reduce stresses on the trailer's frame.

expert reply by: Adam R

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