I have a 2012 F150 6.0 Max Tow package 4wd screw with 5.5 box. Has any one towed a 5th wheel travel trailer with one. I am not concerned about the weight, as their are half ton towables. I am concerned about the turning clearance from the cab to the trailer. Is there enough clearance?
Thanks Jim

 

A 5th wheel bed hitch can be purchased that is designed to slide back to give you the clearances you need in tight turn manuevers... Also 5ers can be equipped w/ extended hitch (pin) that will give additional clearance between 5er and cab.

 

Yeah, not cheap but look into the Pullrite SuperGlide hitch specifically designed for a very-shorty 5.5' bed. 12k max trailer weight, model # 3100. Fully automatic so you never have to worry about forgetting to slide the hitch.
http://www.pullrite.com/products/sup...uper-glide-12k

The SuperGlide hitch is probably all you need, but if you still cannot make a 90° turn with that hitch, then you might also need an extended pinbox, such as the Reese Sidewinder.
http://www.reeseprod.com/content/pro...ID=7360&part=0

And there is no law that says you have to be able to make a 90° turn. I plan to tow my 5er from Austin to Midland next week, with my F-150 that has a 6.5' bed, using an ordinary non-slider Reese hitch. However, rule 1 for that one-time trip will be to never put the tranny in reverse when the 5er is tied on. And before we hit the road, practice in an empty parking lot to be sure I can turn as tight as the pickup will turn while going forward, without cab to trailer contact. With a 6.5' bed, most pickups cannot turn sharp enough to result in cab-to-trailer contact unless you are backing into a jackknife.

But with your 5.5' bed, practice in a big empty parking lot with a good loud-voiced spotter, so you'll know what you can and can't do with that trailer tied on. With the SuperGlde hitch, I'll bet you can back into a 90° jackknife. But maybe not 91°.

 

Forget the Pullrite as it is over 300 lbs. I have a 90 lb Reese 16k hitch with a Reese Sidewinder pinbox and can turn 90 degrees just fine.

 

Do you have 5.5 foot box too? What type of trailer you pullin?

 

Yes and we have a Cougar High Country 299RKS.

 

I have 5'5 bed and tow a 5th wheel. It has a slide for tighter turns while parking. I think it works great . I only pull 3-4 times a year within 2-3 hours from home with no big hills so I am not here to argue over weight and proper truck size. but if your asking if it is possible I say yes, a sliding hitch is a must with that short bed for backing. just make sure nothing is behind the hitch when it slides back, will do a number on the tailgate.

 

I have the same as SkiSmuggs. No problems.

 

Go with the superglide. It costs quite a bit more, but you'll be much happier know you won't hit the cab or have to worry about pulling pins. I have a 2012 5.5 short box fx4 with a superglide hitch and love it. Towing a 2013 zinger

 

The problem with the SuperGlide is not the cost, but the weight which runs 300-350 lbs, depending on spacers. That seriously cuts into the payload. The Reese Sidewinder/Revolution is a much lighter solution.