F150, 5.5' bed - How close does your trailer get to your cab?

[CaptnJohn]

Agree get the slider. I did and so far only needed it once. Did not use it then, will in the future.

[COBBOOK]

ok, is there a hitch/slider thats the easist to use?? the dealer just gave me a Reese 16k slider,,,,though im new at it , it seems to be a pain to engage and disengage..thanks

[itat]

mgoodwin and COBOOK, I had the same question before I bought my current TT as I was investigating how viable it would be to pull a 5er with my 2009 F-150 with the 5-1/2 ft box. The experts at eTrailer had this to say about using a Reese Revolution/Sidewinder with a slider hitch:

"Generally speaking, it is not recommended to use a Revolution or Sidewinder pin box with any type of sliding 5th wheel hitch. The risk is that these two different pivot points could result in loss of control of the trailer and/or damage to the truck or trailer."

I also heard that it's not advisable to put a slider hitch in a 5-1/2 ft bed as it might not fit or at least it could have the pin box hit your tailgate.

I don't know if any of that is accurate but between that and a concern about exceeding my truck's payload capacity I decided to stick with a TT.

So, if you intend to do this I'd suggest you do it only at very slow speeds like when backing into a campsite. Hopefully you'll have enough clearance using just the Sidewinder almost all the time.

Let us know how it works out and post pics.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by itat

mgoodwin and COBOOK, I had the same question before I bought my current TT as I was investigating how viable it would be to pull a 5er with my 2009 F-150 with the 5-1/2 ft box. The experts at eTrailer had this to say about using a Reese Revolution/Sidewinder with a slider hitch:

"Generally speaking, it is not recommended to use a Revolution or Sidewinder pin box with any type of sliding 5th wheel hitch. The risk is that these two different pivot points could result in loss of control of the trailer and/or damage to the truck or trailer."

I also heard that it's not advisable to put a slider hitch in a 5-1/2 ft bed as it might not fit or at least it could have the pin box hit your tailgate.

I don't know if any of that is accurate but between that and a concern about exceeding my truck's payload capacity I decided to stick with a TT.

So, if you intend to do this I'd suggest you do it only at very slow speeds like when backing into a campsite. Hopefully you'll have enough clearance using just the Sidewinder almost all the time.

Let us know how it works out and post pics.

Interesting.




2015 Columbus 320RS
2008 2500HD Duramax
2015 nights camped "34"

[bld]

I have 2011 f150 5.5 box and a 2012 rockwood 8289ws curt non slider with the reese rev hitch, have had no problems in 3 years can turn almost 90 . you can use a slider it is not 2 pivot points unless you get a pulrite slider. distance from axle to tailgate is same on the 5.5 and 6.5 box it wont hit tailgate if you decide to go with slider the slider will give you access to the rear of truck when loading ,unloading .
all fifthwheels require practise attention and common sense when operating go slow check often when maneuvering !!!

[mlwilliams808]

It will get close enough to put a good sized crease in the cab! I have a 5er that is 36'5" from nose to tail and had a manual slider hitch installed, I found that the 5er reacts much slower with the hitch slid back and is just as hard to get into the driveway, I just leave it in towing position and have DW spot the cab / 5er clearance.

[mgoodwin]

Thanks all.
I posted the question to Forest River once again, this time on their Facebook page.
This is the response I got...

"The Reese Revolution allows for those with a short-bed truck to safely pull our FW's. There are rails that need to be purchased to allow for this on the short-bed. Your local dealer should have all of the information that is needed. If not, you can contact Reese directly with the make, model and box size of your truck and they will be able to point you in the right direction.
If you need anything else, please let me know.
Thank you."

I am assuming the person who answered my question wasn't quite sure what the "rails" are that they are referring to.

That being said, I would rather be safe than sorry. I'm getting a slider.
It's kind of like the insurance that you pay for but hope you never need to use but are damn happy you have it when that unexpected situation arises.

[CWSWine]

Saw a guy at the RV dealer ship check out his slider in 5 foot bed and new 5er and it took out his tailgate. When the auto slide slide back the 5er pin box crushed the tail gate and since he was turning and not pay attention he did a lot of damage.

[mgoodwin]

I'm using a Curt manual slider that only moves back 12" not 22" like the PullRite.
Also, I may be using a notched/louvered tailgate. I haven't decided on that one yet.

[DaveSchwartz]

A cut-out tailgate is a great thing. For me, its about 1/3 of the weight of the original tailgate (which nearly completely offsets the weight of the hitch) and its one less task to have to manage when (un)hitching.

[B and B]

With my F 150 a Reese Elite hitch and the revolution engaged I was able to to turn 90 degrees.

B

[mgoodwin]

Dave Schwartz, I've come to rely on and love having my back up camera.
That's the part that I don't want to give up if I switch out the tailgate.

[Homebrew]

Purchase a manual slider and never used it. It must be the brand of truck😂😂😂


Sent from my iPhone using Forest River Forums

[CWSWine]

Originally Posted by mgoodwin

I'm using a Curt manual slider that only moves back 12" not 22" like the PullRite.
Also, I may be using a notched/louvered tailgate. I haven't decided on that one yet.

I don't know what hitch he was using but it was a Keystone Cougar 5er. There were enough four letter fly that I didn't want to get to close or ask any questions. LOL

[Jjsav]

I have the Reese Revolution on my Rockwood for 3 years now, with a 5.5 foot bed. I had the slider for two years, never used it and went to regular legs on my Reese 5W Hitch and I have now issues. Can turn 90 degrees. The cab and trailer gets to within 4 inches at its worst.

[CaptnJohn]

Originally Posted by DaveSchwartz

A cut-out tailgate is a great thing. For me, its about 1/3 of the weight of the original tailgate (which nearly completely offsets the weight of the hitch) and its one less task to have to manage when (un)hitching.

Will be looking for a cutout tailgate for my F250 for the same reasons. Eithrr that or do without completely.