Recommended Options For Towing Fifth Wheel Trailer With Truck That Has 6-1/2 Ft Bed

Updated 09/08/2016 | Published 08/30/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter - 20,000 lbs

(324)

$1676.92

Demco 5th Wheel Lifting Bracket

(335)

$49.81

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Underbed - 18,000 lbs

(711)

$1995.00

Underbed Rail and Installation Kit for Demco UMS 5th Wheel and Gooseneck Trailer Hitches

(2)

$609.95

Question:

Thank you. For my 2013 f150 6.5 ftbed. Please recommend the best sliding hitch option for me.

asked by: J L

Expert Reply:

It is really hard towing a trailer with a gooseneck adapter behind a truck that has a 6-1/2 ft bed. Turning clearance will be a problem and a goose box like part # RP94716 will not give you additional horizontal clearance.

In my opinion I recommend installing a fifth wheel slider in your truck. This would give you the clearance and turning capability you will need with a 6-1/2 ft bed. If you want to let me know the year make and model of the truck I will be glad to make some recommendations that will work for you.

To make it a bit easier to remove the fifth wheel hitch from your truck I recommend using a lift bracket like part # DM6100. This tool fits in your fifth wheel jaws and has an eye on the top that can be used with a hoist.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

J L.

8/30/2016

Thank you. For my 2013 f150 6.5 ftbed. Please recommend the best sliding hitch option for me.

Jeffrey L.

9/8/2016

Since you want to keep the truck bed clear when you are not towing I recommend the Demco Hijacker Autoslide, part # DM8550022. This hitch has an 18,000-lb capacity and features 14-inches front to back travel. For the underbed rail and installation kit you would need part # DM8551001. This installs beneath the bed of your truck and the four mounting holes for the Hijacker sit flush with the bed.