Lowered Tailgate Very Close to 5th Wheel Trailer when Hitching Up with a 2011 Ford F-250 Long Bed

Updated 02/23/2016 | Published 02/22/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret - 20,000 lbs

(43)

$1350.54

Stromberg Carlson 4000 Series 5th Wheel Louvered Tailgate with Lock for Ford Trucks

(897)

$469.47

Question:

I recently installed a Reese Titan 16K hitch in a 2011 F250 Superduty long bed truck. My 5th wheel is a 2009 Forest River Wildcat with a Lippert 1621 pin box. When I hitch up with the tail gate down there is only about an inch clearance between the tailgate and the trailer. If I dont back straight in I cant lower the tailgate without it hitting the trailer. Is there a solution to this other than raising the tailgate after the king pin passes but before I hook up? I cant seem to locate a pin box that will replace the Lippert but is longer and have heard that even if I did extend the pin box it might cause excessive torque on the trailer.

asked by: Dean G

Helpful Expert Reply:

What I recommend is to install a 5th wheel tailgate on your 2011 Ford F-250 so that you will not have to lower it and will have clearance when hitch up to the trailer. A 5th wheel tailgate will also cost much less than any replacement pin box.

The most cost-effective option that will fit your truck is # VG-97-100. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

For something with a little more style we have the 4000 series, # VG-97-4000.

The Lippert 1621 pin box you have is already classified as a "long" pin box so going to a replacement that is compatible won't provide any addition extension. That includes a Sidewinder because with it the only thing moving back is where the trailer pivots. the trailer will still be in the same general position relative to the truck with or without a Sidewinder.

expert reply by: Michael H