Recommended 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for 2005 Ford F-150 4x4 Dual Cab with 5.5 Ft Bed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

For a fifth-wheel hitch for your 2005 Ford F-150 with 5 foot 6 inch bed, I would recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, part # RP30928, which is a 20K hitch. There are a few reasons that I recommend a 20K hitch, the first is that there are more features on the 20K hitch, like a floating head that makes hook up easier and a locking double jaw. Another reason is that in the future if you decide to go with a heavier trailer, you will not have to purchase another hitch. To install, you will need Reese Base Rails and Installation Kit, part # RP50081-58.

If the additional features are not of importance to you, I would recommend the 16K Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, part # RP30047, which will also work great with your F-150. To install the 16K hitch, you will also use Installation Kit, part # RP50081-58.

Since your truck bed is under 6 ft, it is required to use Sidewinder Coupler to provide the additional and needed clearance to tow a fifth-wheel trailer. A Sidewinder coupler provides additional clearance and moves the pivot point of the trailer behind the king pin. If your 5th Airborne is not a Sidewinder type, you will need to replace it with a Sidewinder type coupler. If you can send me the make and model of your pin box, I can recommend a compatible Sidewinder, or you can use the chart on the Sidewinder FAQ page (see link).

I have linked a video review of the Reese 5th Wheel Hitches and instructions for the Reese Base Rails and Installation Kit, part # RP50081-58. I have also linked an FAQ on Sidewinders and Fifth Wheel Trailers that you may find as a good reference.

expert reply by: Reno H

0

Greg

2/7/2011

Hi I live in Australia but I have a friend in the US that can order and send me a 5th wheel hitch. Can you tell me the most appropriate hitch for a 2005 4x4 dual cab F150 with a 5 6 tub tray standard. My 5th wheeler is 30 long with a GVW of 9900 lbs. I have a 5th airbourne pin box fitted. Thank you for your assistance. Regards,Hi Reno recently advised me on a 20k pro series hitch for my 2005 F150 5 6 short bed style side tray. I have a 5th Airbourne Sidewinder pin box on my trailer and I wanted to know if I require the slider rail kit for this hitch or not. I have a relation in Michigan who will order the hitch and mounting kit. Thanks again for assistance. Regards,

Reno H.

2/7/2011

If you are using a 5th Airborne Sidewinder, you will not need to use a slider type hitch. For your 2005 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 bed, you will want to use a stationary fifth-wheel hitch with a sidewinder. For a 20K fifth-wheel hitch, I would recommend Pro Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, part # RP30928, and Reese Base Rails and Installation Kit, part # RP50081-58. Anytime you have a truck bed shorter than 6 feet, it is required to use a Sidewinder Coupler when towing a fifth wheel trailer. I have linked a video review of the 5th Wheel Hitches and instructions for the Reese Base Rails and Installation Kit, part # RP50081-58. I have also linked an FAQ on Sidewinders and Fifth Wheel Trailers that you may find as a good reference.