Getting More Turning Clearance Between 2008 Ford F-250 Cab and 2016 Elks Ridge 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 10/20/2015 | Published 10/19/2015

Question:

We have a 2008 Ford F-250 short bed pickup and purchased a 2016 Elks Ridge 5th wheel. RV dealer installled a regular Reese 5th wheel hitch. When lturning out of the dealership the RV made contact with headache rack that was ion truck, if the headache rack had not been on the truck it would have damaged the truck cab. Question is what type of hitch do you suggest using ? Some say a slider but then I have read that is really for when backing up?

asked by: Carla

Expert Reply:

A slider 5th wheel trailer hitch is one option to get more clearance when making tight turns. They are not just for backing up because you could be going backwards or forwards when turning and need the clearance.

The other option is to replace the pin box on the 5th wheel trailer with a Sidewinder. A Sidewinder locks out the trailer at the hitch so the trailer instead pivots 22 inches further back on the Sidewinder turret. This 22 inches is much more clearance than a slider hitch. But Sliders only fit certain pin boxes so I would need to know the manufacturer and model of the pin box itself which should be on a sticker or plate on the pin box.

If your truck has above the bed 5th wheel rails and you want to go with a slider then I recommend the Demco HiJacker # DM8550034. This slider slides automatically so you don't have to get in and out of the truck to engage the slider. It also offers 14 inches of travel which is the most clearance offered by any slider hitch we carry.

expert reply by: Michael H