Recommended Fifth Wheel Hitch For 2017 Ram Short Bed Towing Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler

Question:

I have a 2017 Ram short bed and a Reese slider hitch the dealer said I would need. Im buying a Forest River toy hauler new. I really want something that I can turn without having to get out of the truck to change before backing. What do I need as far as pin box? Will a Reese sidewinder work with the slider? Is it hard to change out?

asked by: Nancy S

Helpful Expert Reply:

If you can lock the Reese slider fifth wheel hitch in your 2017 Ram truck bed you can use a Sidewinder pin box on your trailer. You cannot use a sliding fifth wheel hitch with a Sidewinder because it creates two pivot points.

You will need to know what model and make your pin box is on your trailer to find the suitable Sidewinder replacement. It should be on a tag or sticker. You can then check out the attached link to the Sidewinders we offer. Pin boxes are a bit heavy, but when you select one that is a direct replacement for the pin box you have on your trailer it is just a matter of matching up the holes when installing. A Sidewinder will move the pivot point back 22-inches to make those 90-degree turns easy to take.

Another solution I recommend is to replace your Reese slider with a Demco Hijacker Autoslide, part # DM8550040. This fifth wheel hitch will work with industry standard base rails in your truck bed and gives you 22-1/2 inches of additional clearance when making those sharp turns. The great thing about this hitch is you do not have to exit the truck when you are going to make a turn. The Hijacker head slides toward the tailgate when you turn and back toward the truck cab when you straighten out.

To be honest, I think the Demco Autoslide is the way to go.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L