Best 5th Wheel Hitch for a 2017 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel with 5-1/2 Foot Bed

Question:

I have one more question, with the pullrite hitch, I have the capture plate on the camper. Will this have to be removed and is there a demco plate that will have to be installed? LIPP1621

asked by: Ed

Expert Reply:

The correct Demco hitch you will want to use on your 2017 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel with the 5-1/2' bed is the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider part # DM8550040. This is because the 22-1/2" of travel will be more than any other hitch we offer. Since you have a short bed, the added travel will be needed to ensure you have turning clearance between the nose of your trailer and cab of your truck.

If the 5th wheel base rails you have installed in your truck now use the industry standard (ISR) bolt pattern then yes you can install this hitch without issue. However, if they are not industry standard above bed base rails then you will need to use the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit part # DM8552030-71 in order to install the Hijacker.

I have attached a review video on the Hijacker for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

5/24/2018

Thank you for your response, it is very helpful. I do have the Pullrite 15 K slider. Will this give me the room I need for turning or do I need one that allows more ? IDK, just asking.

Conner L.

5/24/2018

According to my research, the Pull Rite 15K Superglide only offers 14" of travel which would not be nearly enough for you. You can use the formula below to determine if you will have turning clearance but I would highly doubt this hitch will give you what you need. (A + B) - C = Clearance A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab B = Length of pin box C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half) The Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider part # DM8550040 would be your best option but if you do not want to use this hitch you can use a standard fixed 5th wheel hitch and a Sidewinder pin box as this will also more than likely give you the turning clearance you need. For a fixed 5th wheel hitch, I recommend taking a look at the Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs # C16115 with Sidewinder Wedge # C16991.

5/29/2018

I have one more question, with the pullrite hitch, I have the capture plate on the camper. Will this have to be removed and is there a demco plate that will have to be installed? LIPP1621

Conner L.

5/29/2018

You will not need to use a capture plate for the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider part # DM8550040 when combined with a standard Lippert 1621 pin box. The PullRite capture plate you have now will need to be removed in order to use the Demco Hijacker.