Recommendation of Fifth Wheel Hitch For a 2012 Ford F150 XLT 3.7l SuperCab  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

A fifth wheel hitch isn't a vehicle specific item, but the rail system used to install the hitch is vehicle specific. For your truck, I'd recommend the Reese # RP50081-58 rail kit.

For a bed shorter than 8 feet, you'll want to use a sliding hitch, like the # RP30051 you referenced. You will also want to choose a hitch whose capacity exceeds the fully loaded weight of your fifth wheel.

The # RP30051 would be a good choice for a fifth wheel weighing less than 16000 lbs. As far as the ease of use and quality of ride provided, I'd consider this hitch to be mid-grade. The dual jaws will do a fairly good job of holding the king pin tightly, and the square slider rails allow the hitch to move from the towing to the maneuvering location.

The quickest and easiest way of determining how much your truck can tow is to find the GCWR listed on the sticker placed in the driver's side door jamb. If you subtract the ready to travel weight of the truck (curb weight plus fuel, passengers and cargo) from the GCWR, your remainder is the maximum trailer weight your truck can safely handle.

There are WAY too many possibilities of fifth wheels for me to provide a list of what your truck could tow and what it couldn't. Figure out the capability of the truck. Choose a fifth wheel whose fully loaded weight comes in under that amount. Then choose a hitch whose capacity exceeds the fully loaded weight of the fifth wheel you want to use.

You'll also need a 7-way trailer connector installed in the truck bed, like part # PK11893-11932. I'll link you to an install video for the wiring and for the fifth wheel install kit.

expert reply by: Mike L

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