Is Sliding 5th Wheel Needed with Tapered-Nose 5th Wheel Trailer Towed by Short-Bed Pickup

Updated 03/08/2017 | Published 03/07/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Ford Super Duty Prep Package - 21K

(745)

$2245.00

B&W Companion OEM 5th-Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5406)

$1199.00

Question:

I have a 2017 F350 Crew Cab SRW 4x4 short bed 6-3/4foot with the ford factory fifth wheel and goose neck prep package. I am purchasing a Forest River Sierra 372LOK fifth wheel. I was told that due to style of Fifth wheel setup I can get by with a non-sliding fifth wheel hitch, but everything recommends a sliding hitch for a short bed. Can you please advise what are my best options? I want to be able to take the hitch out rather easily when not towing. Thanks.

asked by: Kevin H

Expert Reply:

Some late-model 5th wheel trailers do have a tapered front that provides better turning clearance for towing with a short bed truck. Some very-short-bed pickups with a 5-1/2-foot bed would potentially still need a sliding hitch - even with a tapered-nose trailer. For a standard non-tapered trailer your pickup would definitely require a slider hitch such as the Demco Hijacker Autoslide # DM8550038.

But for your 6-3/4-foot-bed F-350 the B&W Companion # BWRVK3300 fixed hitch will ensure you have no issues with tight turns. This hitch drops right into the factory pucks and provides upright arms that offer a choice of three positions that let you adjust trailer-to-cab clearance.

expert reply by: Adam R