5th Wheel Hitch for 2012 Ford F-150 Short Bed Without Prep Package

Published 07/26/2023

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs

(772)

$899.00

Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(2)

$599.00

B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(21)

$260.00

B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5387)

$1599.00

Question:

I am looking at the 5th wheel hitch for a 2012 ford f150 6.6 ft bed 5.0 it normally has a capacity of i think 7800lbs what would it be with the 5th wheel I want to tow a camper with it and how hard is the install? and can it be removed when not in use or is it always in the bed?

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

To find the 5th wheel towing capacity of your 2012 Ford F-150 you will have to look at the 2012 Ford RV & Trailer Towing Guide. There will be a chart that lets you match up all of the specs on your F-150 to find the maximum loaded trailer weight.

Assuming you went with the B&W Patriot # BWRVK3270 you were looking at, you will also need the Base Rails # BWRVK2404. Installation of the hitch itself is fairly simple. The rails require some measuring and drilling to install. Once installed, the 5th wheel hitch can be removed but the rails will be sitting in the bed.

If you want full bed access without base rails in the way you need the B&W Companion # BWRVK3400-5W instead. This installs in the Custom Underbed Installation Kit # BWGNRK1104-5W. This also adds a gooseneck hitch which gives you additional options for towing. When not in use, the turnoverball stores upside down in the hitch so nothing will be in the way in your truck bed.

I have attached some installation and review videos below for your reference.