Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch For 2018 Ford F-150 with 6-1/2 Foot Bed

Updated 10/23/2017 | Published 10/21/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs

(722)

$1795.00

Question:

We are buying a 2018 F150, Crew Cab Lariat, 6.5inch bed, 3.5l EcoBoost. Im rated for up to 12,700 lbs towing. We are also buying a Jayco 30.5 ckts 5th wheel RV. Dry weight is 8775 lbs, dry Hitch is 1675, CCW is 2225 lbs, GVWR is 11000lbs. Im so confused as to which Hitch we need and which will work best for our application...

asked by: ERIC

Expert Reply:

For your 2018 Ford F-150, I recommend the Reese Quick-Install Custom Base Rails and Outboard Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP56034-53. This will be a custom fit that will allow you to install the brackets without drilling into your frame. Once you have the 5th wheel base rails installed, a number of different hitch options are available, but you will want a sliding hitch because you have a short bed truck.

If you want a hitch that will automatically slide for you without needed to get out of your truck to ensure proper turning clearance in tight spots, I recommend the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs # DM8550034. This hitch will adjust as needed so you don't hit the cab of your truck.

If you want a more traditional manual slider, you will need to physically adjust the slide locking positions between turning at your site and towing to your site. I recommend the Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs # C16521 for your sliding hitch. The round tubes create smoother travel without binding. This hitch has interlocking dual jaws to ensure great king pin contact to reduce jarring and chucking.

Either hitch is a good option for your application. I've attached an article to assist. If you get the factory rail kit, that will slightly change the hitch recommendations and you won't need the rail kit. You may also want to consider the Bargman 5th wheel wiring harness # 50-97-410-010 to add a second 7-way connection to the bed of your truck for easy access.

Let me know if you have further questions.

expert reply by: Jason S