Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
Updated 01/24/2026 | Published 03/31/2017
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Question:
Will a fixed position fifth wheel hitch work in a 6.5 ft bed and not cause turning problems when pulling a 8ft. wide fifth wheel trailer.
asked by: Dean
Helpful Expert Reply:
You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch.
That being said you have two options. If you really want to use a stationary hitch like the part # RP30033 you can replace the pin box on your trailer with a Sidewinder and that will allow the clearance.
Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have now in order to pick out the correct one.
There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.
Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.
The other option is an automatic slider hitch like the Demco Hijacker part # DM8550034. This will automatically slide back as you make tight turns allowing you the clearance you'd need.
Wayne M.
3/2/2025
Hi Jameson C. I have a 2018 Silverado 2500 HD Duramax with the Double Cab, 6-1/2' bed. I have a B&W Turnover Ball, underbed hitch and B&W 4" Offset Ball that I used in conjunction with the Reese Goosebox conversion on my 2020 Open Range Light 335MBH Fifth wheel trailer. I have never come close to hitting the back of my truck cab with the trailer. And this is with our two e-bikes mounted up on the front of the trailer! I can actually turn slightly more than 90 degrees, truck to trailer, if absolutely needed, but I do not make a practice of doing that! Just another alternative that has worked great for me for going on ten years with this set-up. It was used previously on our 2005 GMC Sierra 2500/Cougar 336BHS. Thanks, Wayne
Jameson C.
3/3/2025
Jack L.
3/25/2025
I want to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns
Jameson C.
3/25/2025
Jameson C.
3/25/2025
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Cody G.
6/10/2020
I have a 2012 Ram Mega Cab DRW 3500 with 6'3" bed. I tow an 8.5' Toyhauler. I currently use a Pullrite Superglide hitch. I am considering a Reese Goosebox and installing the underbed turn-over ball. Is this a viable idea or a non-starter? If it is viable, would I be able to achieve a 90deg turn, or how close to it? Would it require the use of an off-set ball adapter?