Recommended 5th Wheel To Gooseneck Adapter For 2013 Ford F-150 With 6-1/2 Ft Bed

Question:

I have a 2013 Ford F150 STX 4x4 Extended Cab with 6 1/2 ft bed. Im purchasing a 2006 Trail Cruiser 524DS that already has a Leland Engineering P/N 7921 CSA 16,000 GVWR attachment that attaches to a Reese Pro Series 15000 5th Wheel. We prefer to convert from 5th wheel to gooseneck. 1. Can you tell me the least expensive but safest compatible equipment to convert over to gooseneck for my truck and trailer set up? 2. The other option is to stick with the Reese Pro Series 15000 5th wheel, but we will need the correct rails to install the 5th wheel into the truck. What rails would be compatible for my truck and the 5th wheel set up?

asked by: JSanders

Expert Reply:

If you decide to change over to a gooseneck system on your 2013 Ford F-150, there may be a couple of issues. With a 6-1/2 ft bed on your truck, if you use a gooseneck adapter like the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter, part # CAB-C5G, you run the risk of hitting your cab when executing turns. You will also want to check with the trailer manufacturer to see if there are any warranty issues when installing adapters on the trailer.

Using an adapter would then require adding a gooseneck hitch to your truck, like the Reese Gooseneck, part # 8339-4437, or the Draw-Tite Gooseneck, part # 9465-37. The cost of those two items may be more than you want.

We also carry offset adapters like part # AM3139. This has an 8 inch offset and will give you additional clearance from the cab of the truck. I have attached a product review video for this adapter.

For a smoother and quieter ride I recommend installing the Reese Fifth Wheel Installation Kit, part # RP50081-58. This kit has custom brackets that mount to the existing holes in your truck frame, cutting installation time in half. I have attached an installation video for a fifth wheel on a 2013 Ford F-150 you can check out.

If you wish to add a 7-way connector in the bed of your truck for your trailer, I recommend the Pollak Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, part # PK11893-11932. This connector plugs into the OEM harness on your truck and requires no splicing. I have attached a product review video for this harness.

When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. This keeps dirt and moisture out of the electrical connections and helps prevent corrosion.