Required hitch for 6 3/4' bed

Since the OP has made up his mind on what he is going to do, I am closing this thread.
Barney

Your Ford rear axle center should be about 41"s back from cab. If you adjust your hitch so pin will be centered, or just forward, mine is at 40"s behind cab, you should be fine. With my rig, EZ Turn front nose design, I'd not worry being only 37"s behind the cab.

A certain amount of awareness is always needed, in tight situations, no different than backing a TT or boat.

Jerry

Thanks all for your input. I am going to use my current hitch.

Cummins12V98 wrote:
LongBed cures all issues.

No , situational awareness cures issues . All a long bed is , is a false sense of security , you can make contact with the cab with a long bed..

Cummins12V98 wrote:
LongBed cures all issues.

Until you back up while turning one way and looking the other. You'll still hit.

Lyle

LongBed cures all issues.

BugsRLB wrote:
Have towed this 5vr with this truck for at least 4K plus miles without incident! Made a too sharp turn at a fuel stop and POW, there goes the rear window! Now I am super self conscience of my turns. That is why we changed to Pullrite Superglide Auto Slider. You make the call, but I just was to gun-shy after breaking the window!

I have towed now with a short bed for going on 15 years now. nearly 6 years now with the shortest of the short bed trucks a Ram. Made a lot of sharp turns, and I know what can happen. It only takes once. I have went as far as having someone walk along side as I pulled out of a tight spot, have done this since day 1. Best insurance .

Thank you. I believe I'll do so. I have only towed it twice in five years as I use my truck camper for travel.

Sometimes using a short bed truck runs into problems if the terrain is not level. It the truck and trailer are at two different grades from side to side, or the truck or trailer tires happen to drop into a ditch or while leaving a gas station, or while turning or backing up, the shortbed truck will allow the trailer to contact the cab or take out the rear window. This can happen even if you have plenty of clearance for normal maneuvering.
Just something else to be aware of and watch for. I think if I were you,for infrequent use, I would just use my existing hitch and watch carefully where I go and what the trailer is doing.
Barney

Thank you. It's something I'll have to consider.