5th Wheel Installation Kit and Hitch Recommendation for a 2010 Toyota Tundra with 5-1/2 Foot Bed

Expert Reply:

Starting with the truck, we do have a semi-custom fifth wheel rail installation kit, # RP30035-309, but this kit is designed to fit the universal installation kit to your 2010 Tundra with a 5-1/2 foot bed and will still require drilling to install the frame brackets. There is not a full custom install kit available for your truck at this time. I attached links to the instructions for the semi-custom kit for you to review.

When selecting a fifth-wheel hitch for your truck bed you will need to consider a stationary hitch. It is not recommended to use a slider hitch when towing a trailer with a Sidewinder or Reese Revolution pin box attached to the trailer. I added a link to all of the stationary, non sliding, fifth-wheel hitches that we carry for you to choose from. My personal recommendation would be to go with the Select Plus hitch, # RP30081, because of its upgraded features. I added a link to a video review of this hitch for you.

The Reese Revolution pin box will provide 22 inches of reward extension for the pivot point of your trailer pin box, effectively allowing you to tow all but the widest trailers with your Tundra that has a 5-1/2 foot bed.

You will need to determine if the Revolution pin box will work with your truck and trailer. Measure the distance from the center of the king pin location in the bed of your truck, 3-1/2 inches forward of the center of the rear axle, to the back window of your Tundra. Add 22 inches to that measurement for the Sidewinder. Next measure the overall width of the front of your trailer loft. Divide this measurement by 2. If 1/2 the width of the trailer loft is 4 inches shorter than the measurement you took and added the 22 inches for the sidewinder to, you will have clearance for making 90 degree turns with your truck, trailer and hitch combination. If the measurement is less than 4 inches of clearance, you will need to be very careful when making tight turns like when you are in a parking lot or campground.

As an example say your trailer is 96 inches wide and the distance from 3-1/2 inches in front of the center of your rear axle to the cab is 30 inches. In this case 1/2 of the trailer width, 48 inches, would be 4 inches less than your 30 inch measurement with the 22 inches for the Sidewinder added in, 52 inches. This would allow for 90 degree turns with this trailer.

I attached a short video with a demonstration which may help when making your decision for the items you need to safely tow the trailer you have selected.

expert reply by: Bob G