Is a Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch Needed to Tow with a 2007 Ford F-350 Diesel with Short Bed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Although some people can make it work, for any pickup with a bed less than 8' we always recommend going with a sliding 5th wheel hitch. This allows you to safely make sharp turns without your 2004 Forest River Cedar Creek making contact with the cab of your 2007 Ford F-350.

You actually don't need a capture plate unless your pin box has a rotating turret, like a Sidewinder, or you have an automatic sliding 5th wheel hitch. If you have a normal pin box then no special capture plate is required.

If you would like to go with a manual 5th wheel slider then I highly recommend using the B&W Companion # BWRVK3400-5W. This installs in the B&W Gooseneck Hitch # BWGNRK1108-5W so that you have a clean bed when you aren't towing, plus it gives you the option to tow a gooseneck trailer if the need arises.

For an automatic sliding 5th wheel hitch (which keeps you from having to leave your cab for tight turns) we have the Demco Hijacker. You can use part # DM8550034 with the base rail kit # DM8552002-71 for a standard mounting option or you can go with part # DM8550022 and the base rail kit # DM8551000 if you like the idea of having a clean bed when you aren't towing.

You don't need a capture plate for the Hijacker if you have a standard pin box that is 12" - 14" wide but you will need a capture plate if you have a Glide Ride, Mor Ryde, Trailair Tri Glide, Trailair Flexair, Rota Flex, and 5th Airborne pin box. Let me know if this is the case and I can let you know which capture plate you need.

I have attached some installation and review videos for you to reference as well.

expert reply by: Jon G

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