CrewCab Short Bed + 5th wheel
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Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 51
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From: Central Texas
CrewCab Short Bed + 5th wheel
I am a 5th Wheel newbie and I have a 2004 F250 CC SB and I was just given access to a 5th Wheel camper. The weight will not be an issue but is there enough clearance between the 5th Wheel and the back of the cab to make turns? I would hate to always make left turns or have a permanent breeze from the right side. 
Are there any other issues I should look out for? Any recommendations on hitches? I know I will also need a brake controller but are there any I should avoid? Do I need to have a light plug installed in the bed or can I used the one below the rear bumber? Any other goodies I need? Thanks in advanced and I can't wait to go camping!
Are there any other issues I should look out for? Any recommendations on hitches? I know I will also need a brake controller but are there any I should avoid? Do I need to have a light plug installed in the bed or can I used the one below the rear bumber? Any other goodies I need? Thanks in advanced and I can't wait to go camping!
Post Fiend
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 5,324
Likes: 1
From: Denton,TX
You'll need to get a slider hitch to have it installed in the proper location in front of the rear axle. Two names to check out are Husky and Reese. I like the Husky hitches over the Reese because the latch seems like a better design. You might consider also posting this in the towing forum if you haven't already done so.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 32
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You can have the light plug in in the bed or under the bumper.When they installed my 5th wheel they asked me if I wanted it in the bed or where its at( under the bumper) and I told them to leave it where its at. I haven't had any problems like this and probably saved some $ Frydaddy
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,372
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From: Broussard USA
I towed my 5th more then 50K miles with a CC short bed and did not use a slider hitch. Each 5th will be a little different some will have a longer hitch and clearence will not be a problem some will hit the cab if you turn very sharp but you will still have more turn angle than a TT, just don't turn short enough to hit the cab. If you need max mobility then the slider hitch is a good opption. As to the plug I always like to have 2, one in the bed one on the rear. That way you cover any situation.
Posting Guru
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 1
From: Phx, AZ
I have the Reese 16K slider and love it. I also have both of the plug ins, one in the bed and one on the bumper I recommend the one in the bed as to a avoid accidental disconnects due to weight and bouncing of the cord as well as the poss. of dragging the cord Etc.
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Junior User
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 51
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From: Central Texas
Thanks for the responses! Please explain the slider hitch. Based on what I read it is only for moving at slow speeds like when parking. But when crusing it is retracted. Is this correct? Thanks again!
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 950
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From: Michigan
there are two kinds of slider hitches. manual and automatic sliders. the manual you will need to get out, pull a lever, get in the truck and lock the trailer brakes. them pull forward. this is how the hitch will slide. the automatic is just that, automatic, is moves when it needs to.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Eastern Oregon
Go to www.rv.net, you'll find all kinds of answers in more detail than you may care for!! 
I just had a Hijacker slider put in my CC, and so far I love it. It takes but a minute to make it slide when you need it. It is used whenever you have to make sharper turns than normal. Also when going onto uneven roads, ie: a level road that has a sharp dip in between the next piece of road, like maybe a gas station driveway. You'll need the slider for this so your trailer doesn't come down on to your bed rails.
It's true, you may not need one, but for only an extra $200, you'll have peace of mind that you won't be putting in a new rear window or straighting out the back of your cab. Unless you forget to use the slider.
I got the Prodigy brake controller, a very nice unit. With the wiring harness, shipping, price was about $122. It's a very easy install for yourself. For now I'm just using the plug under the bumper. I do have to have my tailgate off since my cord is fairly short, and even then it's really too short. So I'll need to change that.
I just had a Hijacker slider put in my CC, and so far I love it. It takes but a minute to make it slide when you need it. It is used whenever you have to make sharper turns than normal. Also when going onto uneven roads, ie: a level road that has a sharp dip in between the next piece of road, like maybe a gas station driveway. You'll need the slider for this so your trailer doesn't come down on to your bed rails.
It's true, you may not need one, but for only an extra $200, you'll have peace of mind that you won't be putting in a new rear window or straighting out the back of your cab. Unless you forget to use the slider.
I got the Prodigy brake controller, a very nice unit. With the wiring harness, shipping, price was about $122. It's a very easy install for yourself. For now I'm just using the plug under the bumper. I do have to have my tailgate off since my cord is fairly short, and even then it's really too short. So I'll need to change that.
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New User
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 7
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We have the pretty much the same setup. Really helps to have a sliding 5th wheel hitch, and plug-in in the bed. As this is our second truck with a 5th wheel, we have discovered air-bladders over the rear axle really keep the trailer from jerking the truck up/down so much. Just smooths out the ride. We never put 100 lbs in the badders, maybe 35 to 40 pounds at the most. Also, a 5th wheel tailgate sure saves a lot of money if you raise the trailer from the hitch and forget to put the tailgate down when pulling away
. That 5th wheel trailer pin can do some pretty good damage to a tailgate!
. That 5th wheel trailer pin can do some pretty good damage to a tailgate!
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Southeastern MA
Can't help you with the 5th wheel issue, but there's a website that has been as helpful to me (almost as much as this one) with all trailer/vehicle issues.
It is: www.woodalls.com check out their forums-just like here-experienced people giving out excellent advise.
As far as the brake controller goes I tow a 30' travel trailer and have a Voyager brake controller. It does an adequate job. The one everyone raves about is the Prodigy. Made by the same company, Tekonsha, And from what I've read here on this forum, Tekonsha is the company that made Fords built-in controller. If it is impossible to retrofit a 2004 SuperDuty with Fords controller, then the Prodigy is the way to go.
If I had a 5th Wheel (someday by the way) and I had a shortbed truck, I'd look at the automatic sliding hitches. Woodalls should be able to help you out there.
I'm sure the 5th Wheel owners have a wiring harness in the bed, any good RV shop should be able to help you tap into the connector at/near the bumper and instruct you how to get it in the bed.
Good Luck
It is: www.woodalls.com check out their forums-just like here-experienced people giving out excellent advise.
As far as the brake controller goes I tow a 30' travel trailer and have a Voyager brake controller. It does an adequate job. The one everyone raves about is the Prodigy. Made by the same company, Tekonsha, And from what I've read here on this forum, Tekonsha is the company that made Fords built-in controller. If it is impossible to retrofit a 2004 SuperDuty with Fords controller, then the Prodigy is the way to go.
If I had a 5th Wheel (someday by the way) and I had a shortbed truck, I'd look at the automatic sliding hitches. Woodalls should be able to help you out there.
I'm sure the 5th Wheel owners have a wiring harness in the bed, any good RV shop should be able to help you tap into the connector at/near the bumper and instruct you how to get it in the bed.
Good Luck
Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 833
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From: NW Montana
Originally Posted by billybubba
As far as the brake controller goes I tow a 30' travel trailer and have a Voyager brake controller. It does an adequate job. The one everyone raves about is the Prodigy. Made by the same company, Tekonsha, And from what I've read here on this forum, Tekonsha is the company that made Fords built-in controller. If it is impossible to retrofit a 2004 SuperDuty with Fords controller, then the Prodigy is the way to go.
Good Luck
Good Luck
http://irv2.infopop.cc
Junior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Southeastern MA
T_G82,
the forum: http://www.rv.net/cforum/index.cfm?site=TLM
and the one I mentioned are the same.
I think the only difference is one is sponsored by Woodalls. ??
Anyway, they both offer excellent advise.
the forum: http://www.rv.net/cforum/index.cfm?site=TLM
and the one I mentioned are the same.
I think the only difference is one is sponsored by Woodalls. ??
Anyway, they both offer excellent advise.
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