I have an 2004 F-150 4x4, Super cab, w/Tow Package it has a 5.5 ft. bed. Can I pull a 5th. wheel trailer with this? Guys at work say that they make a hitch that slides back and I also have seen a king pin extension on the internet that extends the distance 10-13". I went to an RV dealer and he said I could not pull a 5th wheel with this truck. So...what will work? or is this truck not able to make the pull?

 

You can, But I wouldn't take any sharp turns or get a trailer with a big nose on it.

And for that hitch that slides out. Yeah I don't trust that thing.. I looked at them at the dealer when they was putting my brake controler in and it didn't look to safe.

 

hwm3 is the man to talk to

 

These are a little pricey , but have never heard anything bad about them.

http://www.pullrite.com/superglide_12.htm

Steve

 

The problem is not the hitchs or the clearance.. it is a weight issue in the truck. Most all 5'ers will exceed an F150's weight capacity in one way or another.

You might not exceed the combined GVWR but commonly will exceed rear GAWR. Remeber that the only way you will know is to run your truck loaded as you plan to tow over some scales to get a rear axle weight. Then add to that 2-300lbs for a hitch.

You will now know what you can add as far as pin weight.

Most bed mount hitches take 20% of the total trailer weight to be balanced. On even a light 6000lb trailer your pin weight could be in excess of1200lbs.

Add to that of course the hitch and you've put a load of 3/4 of a ton in the bed. That's why they make 3/4 and 1 ton trucks.... for 3/4 and 1 ton of load on the truck.

I don't care what the manufacturer's say their trucks will tow. It has been a "mine's bigger than yours" for many years. Most of these claims are nothing more than claims. If you try and tow at maximum weight ratings you are asking for trouble.

Bottom line, will it tow it? Physically, Yes.
Is it a good idea... No

Want a 5th wheel camper... get a bigger truck. Heck, buy an older used one just for towing... they are cheap right now! We recently bought a 1994 F350 4x4 XLT with only 85,000 miles for only $2,800!! It already had a bed mount hitch installed.

 

If you want to tow a 5er, I don't care what the trailer manufacturers say. Get at least a 3/4 ton truck with a 6.5' or longer bed. Period.

 

And as a friend of mine found out quickly, a 3/4 ton is quickly over its GVWR/payload with a sliding hitch, pin wieght and family.

 

That's why the majority of 5ers you see out on the Interstates are sitting on 1 ton dualies.