Can an Anderson Hitch and Offset Ball be Used for 5th Wheel Towing with a 2019 Ford F-150 5-1/2' Bed
Updated 11/03/2025 | Published 01/08/2025
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Question:
I have 2019 f150 super crew xlt 4x4 with 3.5 eco boost and want to know what Anderson ultimate will fit with bed rails and all . It has short bed 5-1/2’ I was reading where you sell one with 9” offset and one with 5+” offset . Do I need a standard 3220 or the tall model. Any suggestions would be great
asked by: Greg
Expert Reply:
Hey Greg, thanks for reaching out!
The Andersen Ultimate Connection # AM3200 or even the Aluminum version that we don't carry, are great solutions for a 6-1/2' or 6-3/4' bed, but since your 2019 Ford F-150 has the 5-1/2' bed we need to go a different route. Moving the coupling point back far enough for you to gain adequate clearance will be too dangerous and will cause you to lose traction with the front tires of your F-150 - we need a solution that keeps the pin weight closer to right above the axle for standard driving.
Safety is always the #1 concern with towing so for your towing setup we either need to get you a standard fixed hitch and swap out your pin box to a Sidewinder-style where the turret rotates, or we need to get you setup with a sliding hitch that only moves the pin weight far enough for turning clearance on tight turns - when it's absolutely necessary for the weight to shift back that far.
For a fixed hitch and Sidewinder system I recommend the B&W Patriot # BWRVK3255 and Bed Rail Kit # BW39FR along with the Sidewinder Wedge # SWW-06, but for a sliding hitch you'll need to go with the Demco Hijacker Kit # DM46TV which includes the bed rails and an automatic sliding hitch.
If you want to go the Sidewinder route just let me know what pin box is currently on your 5th wheel trailer and I can see if we have a Sidewinder that fits in it's place. The Sidewinder setup is a bit easier to use, but the Demco may be necessary if there isn't a way to replace your pin box.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System with Adapter - 20,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- No Pivot
- 15-3/4 - 18 Inch Tall
- Andersen
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Jon G.
11/3/2025
Hey Greg, how did things go with your F-150 setup after looking into the Sidewinder and Demco sliding hitch options? Your update could make it easier for the next person trying to tow safely with a short bed truck.