Is Removal of Truck Bed Required To Install 5th Wheel Hitch on 2011 Ford F-150

Expert Reply:

For the 2011 Ford F-150 the fifth-wheel hitch installation kits we carry do not require the truck bed to be lifted to install. I spoke to one of our installers here, and he informed me that they have removed truck beds before for ease of installation, but it would specify so in the instructions. If you were using a more universal installation kit, removal of the truck bed would be more likely for installation.

For your truck, I would recommend going with a custom installation kit like the Curt Fifth Wheel Installation Kit, part # C16441-104. A custom installation kit will cut installation time by almost half and will not require drilling. This installation kit is compatible with Curt, Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch, Reese, Valley and Husky 5th wheel hitches.

For a fifth-wheel hitch, if you have a 6-1/2 foot bed, you will want to use a slider type hitch like the Curt E5 16K Fifth Wheel Trailer hitch, part # 16516, to provide enough clearance from the cab of the truck when maneuvering in camp sites of parking lots.

If your Ford F-150 has a 5-1/2 foot bed, it is required to use a Sidewinder King Pin with a stationary hitch. A Sidewinder will move the pivot point back and provide 22 inches of additional clearance, which makes it possible to pull 5th wheels with short-bed trucks. You would need to determine the make and model number on the fifth-wheel camper for the correct Sidewinder (see FAQ).

I have linked an FAQ on 5th Wheel Hitches and one on Sidewinder King Pins.

expert reply by: Reno H