Towing 5th Wheel Trailer with 2018 Ford F-150 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed
Question:
thank for the advice. Im going to move forward in purchasing what you suggested, and you saved me time. One more question Okay I found out my towing capacity is 12700pds, though a fifth wheel recommendation is 10,700, my payload capacity is 2,050pds. My truck is made up of heavy duty for towing. However if Im looking a 5th wheel that is 8400pds, tongue weight 1600. It looks as though with the hitch you suggested is a total of about 200pds. So to me it sounds like the above trailer is within the specs mentioned that it is okay. Just based on the numbers above-ur thoughts? or would I be pushing to close
asked by: Robert D
Helpful Expert Reply:
I was able to pull up the online towing specs for your 2018 Ford F-150 and it looks like there is still a somewhat large potential range even within the specs that you provided depending on your axle ratio, drivetrain, and wheelbase. At the low end on your F-150 SuperCrew with the 3.5 V6 engine it shows a 5th wheel towing capacity of 6,500 pounds for the 4X4 model with a 145 inch wheelbase and the 3.55 axle ratio. At the high end your F-150 can have a 5th wheel towing capacity of up to 11,500 pounds for the 4X2 model with the 3.55 axle ratio, 157 inch wheelbase, and 20 inch tires and wheels.
Considering this range I highly recommend checking your copy of the owner's manual for information more accurate to your exact model truck. You can also visit a local Ford dealer with your VIN and they should be able to provide you with exact specs.
The actual length of the trailer is not really a concern as long as you stay within the weight limits of your truck.
As you mentioned in your question with a 5-1/2 foot bed you will need a Sidewinder Pin Box (or similar rotating pin box model) on the trailer in order to make sharp turns without the trailer hitting the cab. I have attached a link that will take you to our selection along with a helpful article that explains how to choose the correct one.
Then for the actual fixed 5th wheel hitch I recommend taking a look at the Reese 16K # RP30047 that features a 2-jaw locking system to provide a secure connection with the trailer along with a quiet ride. Its 4-Way pivoting head also eases hookup and the 16,000 pound towing capacity will give you plenty of safety margin.
Then for the base rails the Quick-Install Installation Kit # RP50087-58 will work perfectly and the included custom brackets will eliminate the need to drill into the frame of your truck.
I have attached a couple short video demonstrations that you can check out as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- 5th Wheel Hitch Rails
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System
- Vehicle Suspension
- Towing/Load Leveling
- Bump Stops
- Extra Heavy Duty
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Timbren
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
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on 5th Wheel Hitch
Steve D.
3/7/2019
thank for the advice. Im going to move forward in purchasing what you suggested, and you saved me time. One more question Okay I found out my towing capacity is 12700pds, though a fifth wheel recommendation is 10,700, my payload capacity is 2,050pds. My truck is made up of heavy duty for towing. However if Im looking a 5th wheel that is 8400pds, tongue weight 1600. It looks as though with the hitch you suggested is a total of about 200pds. So to me it sounds like the above trailer is within the specs mentioned that it is okay. Just based on the numbers above-ur thoughts? or would I be pushing to close