Newbie 5th Wheel Questions

1717 Views 2 Replies 3 Participants Last post by VaUplandHunter, Apr 10, 2011

71stang99

Discussion Starter · Apr 10, 2011 (Edited)

Thanks for reading the thread.

I have an 09 F350 CC LB 6.4 4x4 SRW. I plan on towing a 5th wheel with a hitch weight of 2900 and a GVWR of 14k. I purchased a Reese hitch with 20k capacity and a 4.5k pin weight. My questions are have I done any thing wrong so far? Do I need a special tailgate for a 5th wheel? what about the in bed plug in cord that I have seen (like and extension cord)? I did order the specific brackets for my truck and not the universal. I have a factory bed liner, is it best to cut it or just do a spray in bed liner? Is the factory brake controller up to the task? I have towed travel trailers but never a 5th wheel.

I am also running aftermarket rims and tires with a leveling kit. The tires are 10 ply and on 20 " rims.

Thanks.

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Redneck Fiber Works

· #2 · Apr 10, 2011 (Edited)

71stang99 said:
Thanks for reading the thread.

I have an 09 F350 CC LB 6.4 4x4 SRW. I plan on towing a 5th wheel with a hitch weight of 2900 and a GVWR of 14k. I purchased a Reese hitch with 20k capacity and a 4.5k pin weight. My questions are have I done any thing wrong so far?

Nope. Unless you load up the truck and the trailer with useless junk.

http://www.fordf150.net/2008/2008-ford-f250-superduty-specifications.php

Do I need a special tailgate for a 5th wheel?

Overrated.

what about the in bed plug in cord that I have seen (like and extension cord)?

Makes it easier (and cleaner) to plug in. I recommend one.

I did order the specific brackets for my truck and not the universal. I have a factory bed liner, is it best to cut it or just do a spray in bed liner?

It's a matter of preference. You can cut the plastic one or spray it. The plastic one will warp over time. The polyurethane (spray) may fade over time, depending on which brand you go with. If you do decide to spray it, cut the holes first and spray afterwards.

Is the factory brake controller up to the task? I have towed travel trailers but never a 5th wheel.

Never had a problem with it, even with full GCVWR+ on a triple axle 35' gooseneck.

I am also running aftermarket rims and tires with a leveling kit. The tires are 10 ply and on 20 " rims.

They are called "wheels". The rims are the edge of the wheel, where the tire mounts and seats onto the wheel.

When you do run larger wheels, depending on how far the diameter is from factory (for example, factory is 25" - actually more, but I'm working with round numbers and the new ones are come in at a diameter of 30 inches) you may lose some of that all important torque. Bigger diameter, less torque transfered to the ground. Simple geometry there.

Thanks.

Welcome.

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