Can You Tow A Fifth-Wheel With A 5.5 Bed
Yes, you can tow a fifth-wheel with a 5.5-foot bed truck, but it’s tricky and requires specific equipment. A 5.5-foot bed common on crew cab half-ton or some 3/4-ton trucks leaves very little clearance between the cab and the trailer’s overhang.
To make it work safely, you’ll almost certainly need an automatic sliding fifth-wheel hitch, which slides back during turns to prevent the trailer from hitting the cab.
Even then, it’s best suited for smaller, lighter fifth-wheels (under 30 feet) with a tapered front.
An extended pin box can help too. It’s possible, but not ideal payload and towing capacity must match the trailer, and tight maneuvers will still be limited. A longer bed simplifies things significantly.
Experienced RVers often recommend an 8-foot truck bed for safe fifth-wheel towing but can you tow a fifth-wheel with a 5.5 bed.
However, it’s possible to tow with a shorter bed (like a 5.5-foot bed) by taking precautions and making adjustments can be a little tricky for can you tow a fifth-wheel with a 5.5 bed.
Tips for Towing with a 5.5-Foot Bed:
- Reduced Speed: Keep speeds below 65 MPH for better control and stability.
- Unhook on Curves/Hills: Disconnect the fifth-wheel on tight turns or steep inclines for improved maneuverability.
- Weight-Distribution Hitch: Use a weight-distribution hitch to evenly distribute the trailer’s weight and minimize sway.
- Makeshift Bumper (Stake Pockets): If your truck bed has stake pockets, create a temporary bumper using 4×6 lumber for added support. (Not the safest option, but can be helpful.)
Pros and Cons of Towing with a Shorter Bed:
Minimum Recommended Bed Length for Safe Towing:
- 8 feet
When a Long Bed Isn’t Available:
If you can’t use a truck with an 8-foot bed, prioritize safety by:
- Investing in a Weight-Distribution Hitch: This is the most effective way to safely tow with a shorter bed.
- Disconnecting on Difficult Terrain: Unhook the fifth-wheel on steep hills or tight turns.
- Driving Cautiously: Maintain a lower speed and be extra vigilant on the road.
Conclusion:
While it’s not ideal, towing a fifth-wheel with a shorter truck bed is possible with careful planning and the right equipment.
Prioritize safety, and if you have concerns, consult with experienced RVers or towing professionals.
Sources
- PullRite: A manufacturer specializing in hitches for short-bed trucks: https://www.pullrite.com/supershortbed_HIW
- South Thompson RV: Discusses truck and bed requirements for towing: https://www.souththompsonrv.com/blog/2020/11/26/can-you-tow-a-fifth-wheel-with-a-short-box-truck
- F150 Forum: Multiple threads discussing experiences and challenges:
- Good Sam Community: Thread discussing towing with a 5.5-foot box: https://community.goodsam.com/t5/travel-trailer-group/towing-with-5-5-ft-box/td-p/2809892
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