Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch Setup for a 6ft Bed 2017 Ram 2500 with Factory 5th Wheel Prep Package

Question:

I just purchased a 2017 Dodge Ram 2500 HD with a 6-4inch bed. It has ther factory fifth wheel prep. Do I need a slide hitch, if so what hitch do you recommend that fits the factory prep?

asked by: Robert B

Expert Reply:

Although people can get by without a sliding hitch when they have a truck bed shorter than 8 feet, like your 2017 Ram 2500, it does limit the cab clearance while turning. To avoid damage to trucks with beds shorter than 8 feet we always recommend going with a sliding 5th wheel hitch.

I recommend going with an autosliding hitch because it keeps you from having to get in and out of your cab to engage and disengage the sliding feature on your sliding hitch before and after making tight turns. An autosliding hitch will automatically travel forward and back when tight turns are taken.

The autosliding 5th wheel hitch that we have to offer is the Demco Hijacker. This 5th wheel hitch comes in 2 differents sizes; an 18K # DM8550034 and a 21K # DM8550035 - you will just need to choose whichever exceeds the GVWR of your trailer. Not only does the Hijacker have the autosliding feature, but it also has a double pivot hitch head to combat chucking and jarring, plus a wraparound jaw which gives 360-degree jaw-to-king-pin contact to help reduce movement of the king pin as well. A 3/4" thick steel locking bar gives peace of mind that your trailer will not disconnect while you are towing it. To install either of these hitches into the 5th wheel prep package on your Ram 2500 you will simply need the Adapter # DM6099.

For a more economical option I recommend the Reese 20K # RP30083 which installs into your 5th wheel prep package with Adapter # RP30154. Aside from the autosliding 5th wheel hitches this one is my favorite to recommend. It features a 4-Way pivoting head and a single-jaw system for 360-degree contact with the king pin. This does an excellent job at combating chucking and jarring when coming to a stop or taking off just like the autosliding hitches do.

Either of these options will do a great job and are compatible with your 5th wheel prep package with the appropriate adapter.

If you do not already have a 7-Way installed in the bed of your Ram then I also recommend the Bargman 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Plug # 50-97-410. This will make connecting and disconnecting your trailer much easier.

I have attached some installation and review videos for you to check out as well.