Can you tow a fifth-wheel with a 5.7 bed?
In brief, towing a fifth-wheel with a 5-foot-7-inch bed is possible in very limited cases but is not standard or recommended for most setups. A longer bed is usually required for safe, comfortable towing, and many trailers impose limits that make short-bed trucks impractical without specialized hardware and careful planning.
Bed length and towing reality
Understanding how a truck’s bed length interacts with a fifth-wheel trailer helps explain why a 5-foot-7-inch bed presents challenges. The hitch sits behind the rear axle, and the trailer’s kingpin creates significant overhang that can contact the cab during turns or harsh road maneuvers. Short beds increase the risk of cab-to-pin interference and limit turning clearance, which is why most manufacturers and experienced tow operators prefer longer beds for fifth-wheel setups.
Factors that complicate towing with a short bed include:
- Turning clearance: The short distance between the hitch and the cab reduces the space available for the trailer’s front overhang to swing through turns.
- Pin weight and payload: A fifth-wheel’s tongue weight sits on the rear axle and subtracts from the truck’s payload; short-bed trucks often have tighter payload margins.
- Hitch geometry: Without a slider, the hitch can bind or strike the cab on tight corners; many short-bed tow rigs rely on slider or auto-sliding hitches.
- Manufacturer guidance: Some trailer manufacturers and truck makers discourage or limit fifth-wheel use on very short beds, and may require a longer bed or a different trailer class.
In practice, these constraints mean that a 5-foot-7-inch bed is a significant limitation for most fifth-wheel configurations, though not an absolute barrier in every case.
Practical options if you have a 5-foot-7-inch bed
There are common approaches people use to attempt this setup more safely. Each option has trade-offs in weight, cost, and convenience.
- Use a slider fifth-wheel hitch (manual or auto-slider) to allow the hitch to move backward during turns, increasing cab clearance.
- Choose a lighter, shorter fifth-wheel trailer with a lower pin weight and GVWR that fit within the truck’s payload and braking capacity.
- Consider an adjustable or offset pin box to reposition the kingpin slightly for better clearance, and verify compatibility with your trailer.
- Look for a short-bed–specific hitch kit or a manufacturer’s short-bed solution designed to improve clearance and alignment.
- Verify that the truck’s payload rating, tow rating, and braking capacity align with the trailer’s weight and distribution; never exceed ratings.
Even with these options, you still face tighter turning radii and a higher risk of cab contact, so plan test turns and consult a towing professional before making a long trip.
What to check before towing
Before hooking up, run through a practical safety and capability checklist to avoid surprises on the road.
- Truck payload vs. tongue weight: Ensure the pin weight and any cargo do not exceed the truck’s payload rating.
- GVWR and trailer weight: Confirm the combined weight stays within the truck’s GVWR and the trailer’s GVWR.
- Hitch compatibility and rating: Choose a hitch rated for the trailer’s weight; consider a slider if required by clearance needs.
- Clearance testing: Perform dry-turn tests or measurements to confirm there is no binding as you approach full lock turns.
- Braking, stability, and sway control: Ensure the rig has adequate braking and, if necessary, add sway control or weight distribution components as recommended.
With careful checks and conservative loading, a short-bed truck can tow a fifth-wheel in some cases, but many tow professionals recommend upgrading to a longer bed or a heavier-duty truck for frequent or long-distance use.
Summary
Bottom line: a 5-foot-7-inch bed complicates fifth-wheel towing due to limited turning clearance and payload capacity. It is not impossible with a slider hitch, a lighter trailer, and meticulous setup, but for most users a longer bed or a heavier-duty truck is the safer, more practical option. Always follow manufacturer guidelines and consider professional installation and evaluation before towing.
