Fifth Wheel Tailgate Recommendation for a 2014 Ford F-150 Short Bed and Slider Hitch

Updated 08/22/2017 | Published 08/20/2017

Question:

I purchased the Curt 5th Wheel slider hitch from you a couple weeks ago. I can not use the slide feature because the 5th wheel tongue plate will hit the tailgate when it is in the back position and if I leave the tailgate down, the tailgate will hit the camper when I back up and turn. Will the 5th wheel louvered tailgate allow me to use the slider and move the 5th wheel tongue back and turn without hitting it? I have a 2014 F150 4X4 XLT. with 6.5 ft. box. Thanks

asked by: Kirk

Helpful Expert Reply:

A 5th wheel tailgate will provide better turning clearance than the standard tailgate on your 2014 Ford F-150 but it is still possible that, while turning, the pin box could make contact with the tailgate.

Another option is a tailgate net, # TR-03. It will be easy to take down and put back up so as to avoid any contact with the trailer pin box. Fifth wheel tailgates such as # VG-04-4000 work best with long bed trucks since the hitches for them don't slide.

expert reply by: Michael H