5th Wheel Installation Kit Brackets Only for a 2010 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed

Updated 05/08/2020 | Published 05/24/2014

Question:

I have a 2010 Ford F-150 Short box, 5.5foot box. I have a fifth wheel hitch and hitch rails I want to mount. I dont have the frame mounting brackets and hardware. Will the RP50081 Quick Install Custom Bracket kit work for me? Is the Reese RP58426 brackets a better option?

asked by: Tim B

Expert Reply:

First, for custom brackets, # RP50081 would be the best choice. The other brackets, # RP58426, are supplements to the universal installation kit so I do not recommend using them.

Since your truck has the very short 5-1/2 foot bed you will need to either use a fixed 5th wheel hitch or a slider left in the towing position at all times and a Sidewinder pin box. A regular slider hitch will not be able to travel enough to allow you to make tight turns without hitting the truck cab and trailer together. Also the tailgate would have to be removed to avoid hitting the pin box and tailgate together.

A Sidewinder moves the trailer pivot point back 22 inches. Even this can not be enough in some cases where the trailer is wide. To determine if you can safely make 90 degree turns I would need to know the width of the front of the trailer overhang.

And to determine if there is a Sidewinder that will fit I will need the pin box manufacturer and model number which should be on a plate or sticker on the pin box. I have linked our Sidewinder main page for you with additional information and a chart showing if a Sidewinder is available for a given pin box.

expert reply by: Michael H

Ron

5/7/2020

Have a hijacker 5 wheel hitch and rails to go into a Ford f 150 short box 5.5. what kind of brackets is needed.

Chris R.

5/8/2020

If you have Demco brand base rails, you'll need the Bracket Kit # DM8552003 for your 2010 F-150. If you have different brand rails please let me know.