Compatibility of a 5th Wheel Hitch with a 5 foot 3 inch Truck Bed

Expert Reply:

It is possible to use a fifth-wheel hitch in a bed shorter than 6 feet but you will run into the extra expense of buying a Sidewinder (see link) or a specialty hitch. These will be needed to create enough room between the truck cab and the trailer loft for making 90 degree turns. I would recommend a truck with at least a six foot bed if you are planning on installing a fifth-wheel setup. It will be cheaper in the long run and will be easier to manuever and park the fifth-wheel when in tight situations. If you decide to go with the shorter bed pickup you can use the formula on our sidewinder page to determine if a fifth wheel hitch will work with your truck and trailer combination. The wider the fifth-wheel trailer is the more likely it is that there will be clearance issues with the cab and loft. You will need to use a standard fifth wheel hitch, not sliding, with the sidewinder or there will be tailgate contact issues when using a slider hitch.

expert reply by: Bob G