slider hitch in F150 crewcab

[fishman]

I posted some questions about this for a friend a couple of weeks back. Basically, to pull a 5th wheel in his 5.5' bed, it was suggested by most if not all that a slider hitch was the only way to go. Has anyone put a fifth wheel hitch, in particular a slider hitch, in an F150 crewcab bed? He is loath to drop the money (upwards of $3k) without hearing from someone who has done it and is happy. He is wanting to tow a 24' camping trailer.

 

[Bird]

John, I don't personally know of anyone who has one. But if you don't get any other responses; i.e., none of our members are familiar with the PullRite, you can go to their website and look at "testimonials" (yeah, I know they could be phony, but I doubt it since it was easy to look up phone numbers for the first 3 on their list in 3 different states).

 

[JDGREEN4ME]

FordTruckWorld You might want to try this site. There is a discussion section (much like TBN) and I believe there might be more response there. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[BB_TX]

There are also a number of RV web sites somewhat like TBN. Do a google for RV and try one or more of those.

 

[Bird]

John, I know nothing about this website and it looks like the ad is pretty old, but it's the sort of thing your friend should be looking for.

 

[Jimbrown]

The RV forums are the real place for this answer but He really has three choices. Never accept an RV site that might require a 90 degree back in. Accept the fact that his trailer is going to put some nice big dents in the cab when he tries to back into a tight site. Buy a slider.

 

[stumpfield]

A friend of mine have one (reese) and very happy with it. But he had it on a F250 superduty crewcab short bed. Not the F150. It's rare to see a 5th wheel on a 1/2 ton pickup. Probably due to the pin weight of the 5th wheel unless you have a really small 5th wheel.

 

[HGM]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( A friend of mine have one (reese) and very happy with it. But he had it on a F250 superduty crewcab short bed. Not the F150. It's rare to see a 5th wheel on a 1/2 ton pickup. Probably due to the pin weight of the 5th wheel unless you have a really small 5th wheel. )</font>

That would be my concern.. A 5th wheel would be great for towing, but if all you have is a 1/2 ton, I would recomend against it.. The 5th wheel setup is more manuverable and stabil going down the road.. However, the 1/2 ton(particularly Super Crew) isnt realy designed for heavy towing. They are a light duty truck, with light duty brakes, cooling system,transmission,rear end,springs,etc.. Its a good truck, but the 5th wheel i(in my mind) a serious trailer that needs a serious truck, not a weekend warior.. Another point to think about is the resale of a 5th wheel, those that have a truck to pull them and have experience with them love them.. Most people dont, this is why you see lower resale of the 5th wheel(last I looked)..

I dont mean to come across negative, but in my opinion, it would be a mistake to buy a 5th wheel if all you have is a 4dr 1/2 ton to pull it..

 

[fishman]

Sounds like a bad idea all around. Many thanks to all who replied. I did get one additional suggestion if someone would like to comment on it. I was told he could change his fifth wheel hitch for an extended gooseneck. This would allow him to put it further forward in his bed because the trailer wouldn't hit. This would obviously help with the weight issue too. Any thoughts on this?

 

[HGM]

Personally, I dont think it makes a difference in this case.. I didnt notice you mention if he already has the trailer or what size(weight) it is.. This would make a big difference, I just visualize a 5th wheel as a bigger trailer..