Long Box vs Short Box and slip hitch for 5th wheel

I've always used 6.5 ft bed trucks, don't use a sliding hitch and never had a problem (26+ yrs). At times, with older design fifth wheels, I was limited to about 65 degrees max turning angle, again never an issue. Differences in payload are minimal and not part of the reason that I don't use an 8 ft bed. Besides unless you go with a manual sliding hitch, then the added weight of an auto sliding hitch offsets part of the higher payload of the short bed truck anyway.

If I was that concerned about both payload and max turning angle, I would probably opt for the Sidewinder pin box with a short bed truck. It also has advantages over a sliding hitch, faster response when backing up and the back of the pin box can't hit the sides or tailgate of the truck.

Longer bed=longer wheelbase, longer wheelbase=more stable towing.

13 years with, F-350, Crew Cab, 4X4, Single Rear Wheel, Short Box,
Diesel, Pullrite 16K Super Glide Hitch, Demco Glide Ride Pin Box.

No regrets.



C.B.

It is best to have an 8' bed for towing a FW. In reality many, including me are towing with a 6.75' bed. I have towed two different FWs, with two different 6.75 bed Fords. I have never needed a "slip hitch", with the FWs I towed.

If your FW has a front cap styled for standard bed towing, you should have no problem. You may not be able to back to a 90 degree angle, but that serves no purpose anyway. It only strains your suspension and tires.

Jerry