Is a Sidewinder Required for a 2011 Ford F-350 with Short Bed

Updated 08/19/2019 | Published 08/17/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit for Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel and Gooseneck Trailer Hitches

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$554.64

Reese Elite Series Under-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Head Kit - 25,000 lbs

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Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ford Towing Prep Package - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs

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Sidewinder Wedge Kit for 20,000-lb Reese ELITE, M-Series, or ProSeries Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitches

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Question:

do i need a sidewinder with a F350 Supercab which has a 7 ft bed ? i understand the need in a 6 ft bed but can I use a standard hitch with the 7 ft bed ?

asked by: Dennis F

Expert Reply:

While you don't need a Sidewinder pin box for a 7' bed, we do recommend using at least a sliding 5th wheel hitch for any bed size that is smaller than 8'. A Sidewinder can be used with any size truck bed but the only time that it is needed is when the truck bed is shorter than 6-1/2'. Since your 2011 Ford F-350 has a 7' bed I recommend at least going with a sliding 5th wheel hitch.

If you don't already have a 5th wheel hitch or base rails I highly recommend installing the Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit # RP30126 because it is the same as the OEM puck system from Ford, it gives you a clean bed when you aren't towing, and you can add the gooseneck hitch head # RP30138 for in case you ever need to start towing gooseneck trailers.

This also gives you the option to use a stationary hitch like Reese M5 # RP30921 and Wedge # RP44FR with a Sidewinder pin box (let me know your pin box number and I can recommend a replacement) or you can use a sliding 5th wheel hitch like the Reese 18K # RP30144.

Attached are some videos that you can check out.