box size req'd for 5th wheel?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 79
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From: S.W. Michigan
box size req'd for 5th wheel?
I'm thinking about swapping out my Excursion for a F-350 crew. There's a good possiblity we could trade our travel trailer for a 5th wheel later.
The crew with 6 1/2' box is longer than Ex. Will that be ok for a 5th wheel or would I need 8' box?
The crew with 6 1/2' box is longer than Ex. Will that be ok for a 5th wheel or would I need 8' box?
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 176
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From: Red Oak, TX
I agree with everyone else, I used my 6 1/2 footer to pull my fifthwheel, and I thought I needed the more expensive slider hitch, found out it was really a waste of money. I only had to slide it back twice and both times it was my fault as I overshot my approach to the camp site and had to make a sharp turn. As long as you don't make more than a 70 degree turn you shouldn't have any issues with it hitting your cab. But if you want piece of mind buy a slider hitch.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
I have a f250 cc with the short bed. Have towed with many a time. I am using a reese signature series slider with the hidden mounts so that when not in use I still have a flat bed.
I have no problems. As others have said, with the newer 5th wheels I can turn pretty sharp without slideing. Left turns, right turns are never a problem.
Now a u-turn then you would need too or if you were backing into a camp site then maybe so.
I have no problems. As others have said, with the newer 5th wheels I can turn pretty sharp without slideing. Left turns, right turns are never a problem.
Now a u-turn then you would need too or if you were backing into a camp site then maybe so.
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Elder User
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From: Anaheim, CA
Time to go price it and see where I can get the best deal.
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Hotshot
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Pflugerville, tx
Reese 30085 18K Signature Series 5th Wheel w/Slider RV: eBay Motors (item 360276432918 end time Jul-27-10 23:46:55 PDT)
sam
Senior User
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 327
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From: Columbia, MO
Just remember that a downside of the shorter bed is a smaller fuel tank. (I think this is also true for the new 2011.) But the shorter wheelbase of the smaller bed will allow better manuverablity. Even though you can make 90 degree turns with a slider or a larger bed, it is not a good idea. It will cause tire scuffing and it puts lots of stress on wheels, axels, bearings, springs and spring mouning hardware. Many 5-Ws now have a longer pin box so they can be towed with a regular hitch and short box.
There are good points for either bed size, also disadvantages for both.
There are good points for either bed size, also disadvantages for both.
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Frederick, MD
not for the faint of heart
Reese 30085 18K Signature Series 5th Wheel w/Slider RV: eBay Motors (item 360276432918 end time Jul-27-10 23:46:55 PDT)
sam
Reese 30085 18K Signature Series 5th Wheel w/Slider RV: eBay Motors (item 360276432918 end time Jul-27-10 23:46:55 PDT)
sam
You can look at my gallery for pics of what the bed of the truck looks like with it removed.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: at the truck pulls
Also look at etrailers.com my neighbor just got his new mounting hardware from them, he already had the hitch from another model truck so he just bought what he wanted. etrailers are also a sponsor or advertiser here on FTE.
The hidden mount for my new 2011 is about $600, that's just the bottom rails then I would have to buy a new top section/hitch. I guess that's what I get when I go brand new.
As far as backing into camp sites, I have a Reese 16K slider in my truck. I have NEVER had to slide it to back up, even when bringing in a 36 foot 5'er to State Park campgrounds. Not bragging on driving skills I'm just saying it's not that bad.
The hidden mount for my new 2011 is about $600, that's just the bottom rails then I would have to buy a new top section/hitch. I guess that's what I get when I go brand new.
As far as backing into camp sites, I have a Reese 16K slider in my truck. I have NEVER had to slide it to back up, even when bringing in a 36 foot 5'er to State Park campgrounds. Not bragging on driving skills I'm just saying it's not that bad.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,243
Likes: 79
From: Roman Forest, TX
Well, it all comes down to "it depends". It depends on the 5er you end up with for one. Many of the newer 5th wheels come built as to not need a slider hitch. Be sure you find one like that. And then again, there's the "peace of mind". You may not ever need it, but there may be that one time that you do and you may regret not having it.
As to the "maneuverability" between a long and short bed. There is a little bit of a "learning curve", but once you get used to it, it is not that bad. When I first got my long bed (crew cab too...a loooong truck), it was a little intimidating. But now it is no different from my short bed I had previously. And as mentioned, it comes with a 38 gallon fuel tank vs the 29 gallon of the shortbed. And you sure can get more in there.
So, as I said at the top...it depends. Depends on what you are going to feel more comfortable with.
As to the "maneuverability" between a long and short bed. There is a little bit of a "learning curve", but once you get used to it, it is not that bad. When I first got my long bed (crew cab too...a loooong truck), it was a little intimidating. But now it is no different from my short bed I had previously. And as mentioned, it comes with a 38 gallon fuel tank vs the 29 gallon of the shortbed. And you sure can get more in there.
So, as I said at the top...it depends. Depends on what you are going to feel more comfortable with.