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Old 01-26-2016, 03:24 PM   #1
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F150, 5.5' bed - How close does your trailer get to your cab?

This question is directed specifically to F150 owners that HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH a 5.5'bed and Reese Revolution hitch on a Rockwood Signature fifth wheel.
How tight can you turn or back in?
How close does the trailer get to the cab?
Flat surface distance is fine, I understand it will be different on uneven ground.
I ask because I am soon to take delivery of a 2014 8280WS.
I have yet to install a hitch and would prefer to stay with a fixed hitch but will add a slider if it gives me a little extra "breathing room".
My driveway at home will require a pretty tight turn backing in and I would prefer to know if there is a chance of encountering a tight turn problem.

I'm sure this question has been asked before but I have searched the forums and can't find anything specific as to cab to trailer measurements.

I am unable to get a straight answer from Forest River on this.
Any info from actual owners is greatly appreciated.
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Old 01-26-2016, 03:53 PM   #2
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If you can measure from pin to front and measure center of axle to cab you will have your answer. IMO not going to make you happy. 6 1/2' bed and dent here.


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Old 01-26-2016, 07:35 PM   #3
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Thanks.
You gave me more info than the email reply from Forest River (not impressed).
Were you using the exact combination that I mentioned because in the Reese Revolution/Rockwood promo video they use a 6.5' F150 and it appears there is at least 8" of clearance in the tight reverse turns.
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Old 01-26-2016, 07:51 PM   #4
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the axle sits near the front of the bed on those, and since the trailer pin get located over axle, you would not be far from cab even when straight. Slider is an absolute must.
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Old 01-26-2016, 08:13 PM   #5
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When upgrading to a 5er I had an F150 5'6 bed. I upgraded to an F250 diesel with a 6 1/2 and wish I had gone to the 8'.
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Old 01-27-2016, 12:04 AM   #6
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Unless you activate your revolution pin box, you will need a slider hitch. I also had the 6.5 ft bed and dented my cab on my truck.
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Old 01-27-2016, 08:12 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by troiker View Post
Unless you activate your revolution pin box, you will need a slider hitch. I also had the 6.5 ft bed and dented my cab on my truck.
6.5' bed here on a new F250 dented at 670 miles with a new 5er being backed the 1st time. Seems something everyone with a shortbed does or comes very close to doing. I see a lot of dimples on trucks where the cab can meet the 5er..
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Old 01-27-2016, 10:41 AM   #8
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The Revolution pinbox moves the pivot point back 22 inches from the pin. The trailer is 96 inches wide, so 48" from pivot to side. At full 90 degree turn, the pin is 48 - 22 = 26 inches from the side. Fifth wheel hitches are generally mounted no more than 2 inches ahead of the rear axle of the TV so if you have 28 inches from the rear of the cab to the rear axle you're good.
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Old 01-27-2016, 12:46 PM   #9
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We pulled a fifth wheel with our Ford F150, but we have a 6.5 ft. bed and a PullRite slider hitch. This worked great. We did end up trading in the fifth wheel for a travel trailer because we became concerned with the hitch weight of the fifth wheel compared with the payload capacity of the pickup. We ordered our 2012 F150 with eco-boost engine and had the trailer towing package added, but did not get the extra payload package. (I'm not even sure if we could have ordered them together.)
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Old 01-27-2016, 01:11 PM   #10
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i have a f150 2013 shortbed and blew out my back window with reese revolutioin hitch and forrest river 30' flagstaff.......i was told did not need slider but i did........the dealer ended up giving me a slider.....they said the hitch was put in properly but i wonder,,,,,the slider is a pain to engage and dis engage

thoughts anyone??
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Old 01-27-2016, 01:16 PM   #11
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I put a hold on the regular hitch and ordered the slider this morning. This video convinced me. Look at the 1:00 mark.
https://youtu.be/f2JjHwssJos
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Old 01-27-2016, 01:17 PM   #12
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I put a hold on the regular hitch and ordered the slider this morning. This video convinced me. Look at the 1:00 mark.
https://youtu.be/f2JjHwssJos
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Old 01-27-2016, 01:26 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mgoodwin View Post
I put a hold on the regular hitch and ordered the slider this morning. This video convinced me. Look at the 1:00 mark.
https://youtu.be/f2JjHwssJos
In all ideal conditions, the Revolution will give you 90º clearance on a short bed truck (5.5) but as you referenced in the video at the 1:00 mark, if either the 5th wheel or the truck are on any kind of uneven surface, it will likely hit.

You may never use the slider (I have one and have not had to use it) but you will appreciate having it should you ever encounter a situation where you do.

Sliders are slightly heavier to load in and out of the truck bed but dents to the cab and busted glass can be expensive.
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Old 01-27-2016, 01:47 PM   #14
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ok, thanks....it looks like i should not need the slider....that video is my model Flagstaff and a 5.5 ft bed.......?????
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Old 01-27-2016, 01:52 PM   #15
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From what I see in the video, if the truck and trailer are perfectly parallel you should be okay.
If on the other hand the front of the truck or the rear of the trailer are even slightly raised there will be contact.
I can't say I've ever been to a perfectly flat, level campsite.
I'm not taking any chances.
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Old 01-27-2016, 02:07 PM   #16
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F150, 5.5' bed - How close does your trailer get to your cab?

I know you wanted your comments based on a f150 and a Reese revolution which I have neither, however I have a shortbed gm and a 5th wheel with a slider and in 6 years towing this way I've never used the slider and this is the farthest I can turn with out engaging.


If you need more then that then there's something wrong.

In many cases a pull up and re back is needed.

A camping friend has towed a flagstaff 5er with a Reese revolution without a slider and f150 as well for 6 years and not had a problem.

Imo the whole point of the revolution is to not need a slider.

I think your wasting money.



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Old 01-27-2016, 02:22 PM   #17
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I hear what you're saying TURBS.
My street is pretty narrow and the back in is sharp but still, I may never need to go that tight. However in this case I'm lucky to work in the parts industry and the warehouse cost price difference is only a couple hundred bucks. For the peace of mind alone I think it's worth it. And, this is what sold me on the slider...
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Old 01-27-2016, 02:27 PM   #18
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Old 01-27-2016, 02:27 PM   #19
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The site team has merged two identical threads into this one. This should make it easier for everyone to follow and participate.

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Old 01-27-2016, 05:03 PM   #20
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Close hitch

Get the slider because you will be situations where you will probably need, then it's too late. I wouldn't leave home without a super glide
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