5.5 foot bed for fifth wheel?

[bpa098]

Asking for my father, he wants to get a 5th wheel camper but I don't think he can with a 5.5 foot truck bed. Maybe there are special hitch parts to make it work? Any info would be appreciated

[B and B]

You can, Need a Revolution or sidewinder pin box. I did it with 5.5 ft Ford Reese 16k Elite with Pucks in the bed.

[markb5900]

Originally Posted by B and B

You can, Need a Revolution or sidewinder pin box. I did it with 5.5 ft Ford Reese 16k Elite with Pucks in the bed.

x2
I have a short bed with the revolution pin box and can go 90 degrees and not hit the back window. (tested it)
BUT, get a trailer with the revolution pin box from the factory, not the sidewinder after market.
My dealer will NOT install the sidewinder because if not installed at the factory there is not sufficient bracing to take the stresses involved.

[arter368rlbhk]

I also have the revolution and will add that with the newer fifth wheels that have the corners angled it's not even close to hitting. Now I've heard on some of the older squared of fifth wheels with short king pin boxes it can still hit when jack knifed

[bpa098]

Thanks folks. I'll pass the info on to him.

[B and B]

I have a Sidewinder on my Heartland Bighorn, rated for its installation. I know the Trilogy was as well.

[WFD]

You can also get a slider 5th wheel hitch....many folks use that with 5.5 ft box.

[itat]

Sounds like it's doable with the right setup. Don't forget to consider payload.

When I had my F-150 it had a 5.5' box and I didn't think it was possible but my other concern was a smallish payload number so I decided to stick with a TT. The aluminum body on the new F-150s helps a lot with that.

[NMWildcat]

Originally Posted by markb5900

BUT, get a trailer with the revolution pin box from the factory, not the sidewinder after market.
My dealer will NOT install the sidewinder because if not installed at the factory there is not sufficient bracing to take the stresses involved.

Totally NOT true..... Your dealer is full of #1 BS

[shadows4]

Definitely watch your payload. Most half tons will run out of payload fast. Figure 20% of the gross weight of the fifth wheel as a rule of thumb. Good luck.

[larrytbm]

Originally Posted by WFD

You can also get a slider 5th wheel hitch....many folks use that with 5.5 ft box.

Not really, sliders do not have enough travel for use with a 5.5 ft box. And if they did have enough travel, then there is the risk that the back of the pin box will hit the tailgate in the maneuver position. The Sidewinder or Revolution is the clear choice for a 5.5 ft box.

[WFD]

Originally Posted by larrytbm

Not really, sliders do not have enough travel for use with a 5.5 ft box. And if they did have enough travel, then there is the risk that the back of the pin box will hit the tailgate in the maneuver position. The Sidewinder or Revolution is the clear choice for a 5.5 ft box.

There you go...I stand corrected....my focus was on the 6.5 box.

[M109Rrider]

Originally Posted by larrytbm

Not really, sliders do not have enough travel for use with a 5.5 ft box. And if they did have enough travel, then there is the risk that the back of the pin box will hit the tailgate in the maneuver position. The Sidewinder or Revolution is the clear choice for a 5.5 ft box.

My pinbox will hit the tailgate even with the 6.5' bed.

[old40ford]

Originally Posted by NMWildcat

Totally NOT true..... Your dealer is full of #1 BS

x2

[HopeCanada]

I had a Dakota Quad with the short box, and towed a small 5th-wheel safely, without risking the trailer taking out the cab window, by moving the bed hardware back 13 inches. Later found that this was not necessary as the bed hardware had a slider which could be used instead, but I never found it necessary

[HopeCanada]

Should add that I usually ran with the tailgate down, or removed, otherwise the pin box could damage the tailgate entering or leaving parking lots with a hump or high spot, such as over a sidewalk, or a speed bump