Can I Tow a 20 Foot Fifth Wheel Trailer With a 2002 Ford F-150 Super Crew With 5-1/2 Foot Bed

Updated 10/11/2011 | Published 10/09/2011

Question:

I have a 2002 Ford F-150 Super Crew with a 5 1/2 foot bed. I have seen earlier articles referring to capability with later model 5 1/2 bed F-150s, but is there anything preventing me from towing a 20 foot 5th wheel with my 2002 F-150 4X4 FX4 Super Crew?

asked by: David W

Expert Reply:

We do not recommend to install a fifth wheel hitch on a 2002 Ford F-150 Super Crew with the 5-1/2 foot bed. You would have to use a Sidewinder with a standard hitch, which moves the pivot point back 22 inches toward the tailgate. Even with the Sidewinder installed on your vehicle you will not get enough clearance between the truck cab and your fifth wheel when making a 90 degree turn. We recommend at least 4 inches of clearance and with the Sidewinder it will only give maybe 2 inches on the earlier Ford F-150 5-1/2 foot beds.

Also, a slider hitch will interfere with the tailgate on the 2001 Ford F150 Super Crew with the 5-1/2 foot bed.

There are custom installation kits for the 2004 and newer Ford F150 Super Crew models with the 5-1/2 foot bed, because they will have more clearance then the earlier Super Crew 5-1/2 foot bed models.

I am including a link to a FAQ page on fifth wheel information in trucks with beds shorter than 6 feet.

expert reply by: Jeff D