Can a Ford F-150 with a 5-1/2 foot Bed Tow Fifth Wheel Trailer and Have Turning Clearance
Updated 06/27/2017 | Published 06/26/2017 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Im trying to mount universal bracket kit in my f150 5.6 bed and making sure it will work and fifth wheel want hit truck when turnong
asked by: Bobby
Expert Reply:
For a 5-1/2 foot bed there really is only two options for towing a fifth wheel trailer to allow you the turning clearance you need. But you have to install the rail kit where it's intended to be, right above the center of the rear axle for proper weight distribution.
The best way to tow a trailer for you would be with a Sidewinder pin box as they give you 22 inches of additional turning clearance.
You will need to remove the pin box of the trailer and replace it with a Sidewinder pin box. Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have now in order to pick out the correct one.
There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.
Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.
Or you can use a Demco 13k slider that has 22 inches of slide clearance part # DM8550040. This will fit the rail kit you are installing as well.

Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 13,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 3250 lbs Vertical Load
- 13000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 15-1/4 - 18 Inch Tall
- 22-1/2 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 13,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: sidewinder for lippert 1621
- Article: Adapters for Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret - Lippert 1716 and 0115 - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Search Results: air bag compressor kit
- Shop: Firestone Air Command Standard Duty Air Compressor - Smartphone App Only - Single Path
- Shop: Firestone Air Command Heavy Duty Air Compressor - Analog - Dual Path
- Shop: Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System for Air Helper Springs - Remote - Bluetooth - EZ Mount
- Q&A: Weight of the B and W Patriot Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Search Results: 5th wheel hitch
- Video: An In-Depth Look at the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider
- Search Results: sidewinder turret
- Search Results: sidewinder
- Search Results: lippert 1621
- Search Results: reese 69220
- Q&A: What Can Cause Frequent Trailer Tire Blow Outs
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Shop: 5th Airborne Premium 5th Wheel Air Ride King Pin with Sidewinder - No Turret - 16,000 lbs
- Q&A: Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for Truck with 5-1/2 Foot Bed Length
- Q&A: How to Determine If Narrow Nose Trailer Could be Towed with 5.5 ft Bed Truck without Slider
- Q&A: Comparing Sliding Hitch vs. Sidewinder for 40-Foot Toy Hauler Towed by 2014 Short-Bed Ram 2500
- Q&A: Is A Sidewinder Or A Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch The Best Option For A Short Bed Truck
- Q&A: How to Wire up a 5th Wheel Trailer so that a Utility Trailer Can be Towed Behind the Trailer
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Shop: Trailer Hitch