Community Forums

johio · 05-08-2020, 10:40 AM

HELP!!! looking for method to tow a fifth wheel camper with truck and 5 1/2 ft bed

HDGoose · 05-08-2020, 10:49 AM

Need more information. What truck? What motor? What options? What does your door sticker say for max payload?

One place to start:
https://www.pullrite.com/3100_HIW

HDGoose · 05-08-2020, 10:50 AM

or this

https://www.etrailer.com/faq-sidewinder.aspx

mtofell · 05-08-2020, 03:45 PM

Trying to put a square peg into a round hole. You'll be greatly limited by the trucks payload and will need a complex hitch that weighs a lot and reduces payload even further.

I won't say impossible but you'd be limited to a VERY light 5th wheel.

As others have mentioned, give some specifics as to truck, payload of truck, 5th wheel, etc. and we'll be able to help you better.

TXiceman · 05-08-2020, 08:24 PM

Sounds like the cart may be bigger than the horse can handle. Did the salesman say that you could tow it with no problems?

You need to start researching with the cargo capacity of the truck and understand what all it covers (yellow sticker on drivers door jamb). Next the pin weight of the loaded 5er is going to be 20% of the trailer GVWR.

Get a copy of the truck manufacturers towing guide and learn what the terms mean.

Ken

**NLOVNIT** · 05-08-2020, 08:28 PM

If you're asking can it be done, we dragged a Cougar 5-r with a 2500HD Chevy crew cab short bed, so it can be done. Just don't get into a situation where the 5-r nose can kiss the rear window of the truck or you might end up with a shattered rear window.

Lori-

mtofell · 05-08-2020, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NLOVNIT

If you're asking can it be done, we dragged a Cougar 5-r with a 2500HD Chevy crew cab short bed, so it can be done. Just don't get into a situation where the 5-r nose can kiss the rear window of the truck or you might end up with a shattered rear window.

Lori-

I don't think they put 5.5' beds on any HD trucks so you probably had a 6.5 which is somewhat common with 5th wheels. That 1' can make a HUGE difference. OP is fighting physical space with the 5.5' bed and weight with the half-ton..... not fun!

**NLOVNIT** · 05-08-2020, 09:33 PM

I never said I had a 5.5' bed. I said I had a short bed. So the OP has what's termed an extra short bed. Got it. Thanks for pointing that out.

Lori-

Loudram · 05-09-2020, 11:52 AM

I'm not Ford guy so I might be wrong but the only 5.5 bed I know of is on a F-150 crew cab. Again I might be wrong.

But if I'm not that is way too much trailer for that truck.

tuffr2 · 05-09-2020, 02:49 PM

No, 5.5' is way to short to tow a 5th wheel.

Now you can take a sledgehammer and pound in the corners of the cab there a 5th wheel will hit. It will take a lot of pounding but I think you can do it.

johio · 05-09-2020, 02:51 PM

It is a 2009 F150 with crew cab. Same engine as our 2006 F250, so power is not the issue. The 5th wheel is ultralight at less than 7000Lb. Our 250 with 8 ft bed has a B&W companion in a turnover ball. I was going to install the sidewinder kingpin, but it does not work with the turnover connection since it has too much torque.

Currently looking at the Demco 13k slider which slides 22" to make it work with 5.5 ft bed. I would prefer the sidewinder kingpin, but since it doesn't work with our current hitch, we would need a new hitch and a new kingpin. Both expensive. It seems like any good solution is expensive, but still cheaper than a new truck. As long as what I get can be re-used on a new truck if/when we get one. Apparently, the Demco hitch is adjustable to work with Ford, GM or Dodge puck system......according to Camping World.

johio · 05-09-2020, 02:59 PM

I should also say that I would like a flat bed when not in use, so don't want to put in a rail system. The Demco seems similar to the Pullrite suggested by HDGoose. Does anyone know if the Pullrite or Demco provide a smooth ride?

Ted Lambert · 05-09-2020, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuffr2

No, 5.5' is way to short to tow a 5th wheel.

Now you can take a sledgehammer and pound in the corners of the cab there a 5th wheel will hit. It will take a lot of pounding but I think you can do it.

That’s silly!
Wasting all that energy.
It will do it’s own banging and make its own clearance.

TB673 · 05-09-2020, 04:32 PM

Both the Pull Rite and the Demco are solid hitches so they won’t provide any additional towing comfort.
If want to transfer your next hitch to a future truck, sell the B&W Companion, install the F 150 Turnover Ball, and buy the slider of your choice.
This way, you won’t have to buy a new pin box, and the slider will drop into the new truck.
I can’t say for sure, but the trucks I’ve seen with puck systems also have an under bed gooseneck ball setup.
Good Luck with your choices.