Can you tow a fifth wheel with a short bed truck?

Yes, millions of people tow fifth wheels with short bed trucks (5.5 to 6.5 feet). You need either a sliding hitch that moves the kingpin connection point rearward during tight turns, or a rotational pin box on the trailer that pivots to prevent cab contact.

Do I need a slider hitch for a 6.5-foot bed?

In most cases, yes. A 6.5-foot bed is considered a short bed for fifth wheel towing. Without a slider or rotational pin box, the front of the trailer can contact your cab during sharp turns. Some owners with very small trailers get away without one, but a slider is the safe choice.

What is the difference between a slider hitch and a rotational pin box?

A slider hitch mounts in the truck bed and physically slides forward and back to create clearance during turns. A rotational pin box replaces the standard pin box on the trailer and pivots to avoid cab contact. Sliders are more common and work with any trailer. Rotational pin boxes are trailer-specific modifications that give you more bed space.

What bed length is considered a short bed for fifth wheel towing?

Any bed under 8 feet is generally considered a short bed for fifth wheel towing. The most common short bed lengths are 5.5 feet (crew cab standard) and 6.5 feet (extended cab or optional crew cab). Both require a sliding hitch or rotational pin box solution.

Is a 5.5-foot bed too short for a fifth wheel?

No, but you definitely need a sliding hitch with adequate travel, or a rotational pin box. With a 5.5-foot bed, clearance is tighter and you may also need to remove or replace your tailgate. Many crew cab truck owners with 5.5-foot beds tow fifth wheels successfully with the right setup.

What is the best slider hitch for a short bed truck?

For puck-mount trucks, the B&W Companion Slider is a top choice. For rail-mount setups, the Reese 30K Slider and CURT A20 Slider are popular. If you want an automatic slider that moves on its own during turns, the PullRite Super 5th is the go-to option. The best choice depends on your bed prep and budget.

Short Bed Fifth Wheel Towing

Written by a towing industry expert

The short answer: If you have a 5.5' or 6.5' bed, towing a fifth wheel is still doable — here's exactly how.

What Is the Short Bed Problem with Fifth Wheel Towing?

When you turn sharply with a fifth wheel trailer, the front of the trailer swings toward your truck cab. With a long bed (8'), there's plenty of room. With a short bed (5.5' - 6.5'), the trailer can hit your cab.

This isn't a dealbreaker — millions of people tow fifth wheels with short bed trucks. You just need the right setup.

What Counts as a Short Bed?

Measure from bulkhead to tailgate

5.5'

Short bed

Slider required

6.5'

Standard bed

Slider recommended

Long bed

Fixed hitch works

Most crew cab trucks come with 5.5' or 6.5' beds. Extended cabs often have 6.5' or 8' beds. Measure yours to be sure — don't guess.

What Are My Options for Short Bed Fifth Wheel Towing?

Three ways to solve cab clearance

1. Sliding Hitch

The hitch slides backward when you turn, creating clearance. Slides forward again for highway driving. Can be manual or automatic.

Best for: Most short bed owners. No trailer modifications needed.

2. Rotational Pin Box

Replace your trailer's pin box with one that pivots. The trailer rotates around the pin instead of swinging into your cab. Lets you use a fixed hitch.

Best for: People who want a fixed hitch or already have one. Requires trailer modification.

3. Extended Pin Box

Moves the kingpin further back from your trailer's front cap. Gives more clearance without a slider, but shifts weight forward.

Best for: Mild clearance issues. Check your truck's payload before adding pin weight.

How Does a Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch Work?

Manual vs automatic

Manual Slider

• Pull a pin to unlock, slide by hand
• Must remember to slide before turning
• Lower cost ($800-1,500)
• More moving parts to maintain

Auto Slider

• Slides automatically when you turn
• Nothing to remember
• Higher cost ($1,500-2,500+)
• More complex mechanism

Important

With a manual slider, you MUST slide the hitch back before making tight turns (like gas stations, campsites, parking lots). Forgetting can damage your cab. Some people put a reminder sticker on their dash.

What Is a Rotational Pin Box and Do I Need One?

The trailer-side solution

A rotational (or articulating) pin box replaces your trailer's standard pin box. Instead of the trailer pivoting around the kingpin in your hitch, it pivots at the pin box itself — further from your cab.