Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a 2012 Toyota Tundra with a 5-1/2 Foot Bed

Updated 07/14/2017 | Published 07/13/2017

Question:

What you have that fit a 2012 Toyota Tundra CrewCab 4x4 Rock Worrier with 5.5 feet bed? I have a Reese 15k Pro from my previous truck, I was told that wouldnt work because it is a Tundra. what options do i have? Thanks, Steve

asked by: Steve

Expert Reply:

The problem isn't that you have a Tundra because you can install a fifth wheel rail kit # RP50084-58 into your 2012 Toyota Tundra without a problem. Any industry standard fifth wheel hitch will fit into the rail kit.

The problem you'll run into the is the 5-1/2 foot bed. With such a short bed you will have issues with turn clearance between the truck and the trailer. A sliding hitch isn't even a good option because with the bed so short it still may not give you enough clearance and also there's a very good chance the hitch will slide back far enough and hit your tail gate.

The best solution is to use a Sidewinder pin box on the trailer. This will provide an additional 22 inches of turning clearance because it moves the pivot point of the trailer back. I've linked a help article on Sidewinders for you.

To choose the correct Sidewinder to fit your trailer you need to find the model number of your current pin box. If you can provide this for me I can the correct part for you.

If your current Reese hitch can be used with a Sidewinder and fits industry standard rails you won't even need to replace it.

expert reply by: Charles S