Recommended Reese 5th Wheel Sliding Hitch for 6-1/2 Foot Bed

Updated 02/25/2019 | Published 02/24/2019

Question:

Does make sense to get the resse pro series with the slider for a 6 1/2 foot bed?

asked by: James M

Expert Reply:

For a 6-1/2 foot bed, we always recommend getting a sliding 5th wheel hitch. The travel of the slider offers much needed turning clearance to protect your cab and trailer. The only exception is if you use a pin box with a different pivot point like the Reese Sidewinder which moves the turning point back 22 inches allowing for a non-sliding hitch in a short bed truck. I've attached a couple of articles to assist.

The Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs # RP30051 is an excellent option. It has 10 inches of travel between the two locked points to help with the turning clearance stated above.

Pro Series is made by Reese but no longer has the 16K option which they recently discontinued. You can also use the 16K # RP30075 which offers 11 inches of travel, and has dual jaws which offer a better option for king pin contact than the slide bar jaw of the 16K which I don't recommend.

expert reply by: Jason S