Is A Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch Required When Towing With A 6' Bed

Published 10/19/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(386)

$717.90

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

(6)

$699.00

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K

(4661)

$1699.00

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

(4661)

$1599.00

Question:

Do you need a slider 5th wheel if you have a 6x10 bed

asked by: Larry T

Expert Reply:

Typically with any bed under 8' in length we recommend using either a slider hitch or fixed hitch and rotating pin box to prevent the nose of the trailer from coming into contact with the cab of the truck when making tight turns. There are some trailers that have tapered noses that allow for more turning clearance, but it's always best to play it safe.

You can see how much turning clearance you have by taping a plumb bob to the outermost corner of the trailer's nose and measuring from the plumb bob to the center of the king pin. Once you have this measurement you can then place your tape measure above the center of your truck's rear axle and turn your tape measure until the tape touches the cab. This would show you if you can make a 90 degree turn.

If you haven't picked out your hitch yet then I recommend going with the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package # BWRVK3370 if your 2023 Ford F-250 has the OEM puck system. If not then I recommend installing the Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # BW83FR and then using the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider # BWRVK3400-5W.

expert reply by: Kevin C