Formula for Determining If a Short Bed Truck Needs a Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch to Make Tight Turns
Updated 03/31/2016 | Published 03/29/2016
Question:
I have a 2008 F350 shortbed truck with a 6-3/4foot bed. I have been told I can use a standard hitch which we have from our previous truck. However, I have also been told by another place that I have to have a sliding hitch. How do I know if I truly need a sliding hitch? Is there a formula of measurements I can use to know?
asked by: Kristine T
Expert Reply:
Sounds like you are looking for the formula for determining if you have enough clearance to make 90 degree turns with a fifth wheel trailer hitched up to a truck.
The formula you are referring to is this:
(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from the fifth wheel jaw center to the truck cab
B = Offset used (slider clearance or Sidewinder offset)
C = Width of the nose of the trailer divided by 2.
I attached a couple help articles for you to check out on fifth wheel towing as well.
Most likely you are going to need a slider hitch unless your trailer has a nose on it specifically designed to allow short bed truck bed turning clearance.
For a slider hitch version of the hitch you referenced you would want the part # RP30083. This hitch has a round tube slider which will operate smoother than a square tube and features a jaw design that provides excellent king pin contact.
For a fifth wheel rail kit I would recommend a custom install kit like the part # RP50082-58 that will minimize drilling and install time. I attached an install video for you to check out as well.
