Should I Use a Slider 5th Wheel Hitch or Sidewinder to Tow a 2017 Keystone Fusion Toy Hauler

Question:

I have a 2016 dodge ram 2500HD 6.4L gas with a 8foot box standard cab. Towing a 2017 keystone fusion 371 toy hauler, 13,800 dry weight 40. I want to trade tow vehicles and go to a diesel, extended or crew cab, I would like to go to a 6 1/2foot box as well, the 8foot with crew cab truck just seem so long. Either a Chevy or Ram tuck. As far as hitch or sidewinder which way is best do you feel, or should I stay with a 8foot box? Or other options My pin box on my 5th wheel is a Morryde pin Box. Thanks for your advice

asked by: Bob S

Helpful Expert Reply:

The best bed length for towing a 5th wheel trailer is an 8 foot bed. You won't have to spend extra money on a slider hitch or special pin box and there won't be any clearance issues when turning. But I do understand that a crew cab truck with an 8 foot bed is a whole lotta truck. If you do want to go to a short bed truck then I recommend the Demco HiJacker # DM8550034.

This HiJacker is an auto-sliding hitch meaning you won't have to get out of the truck to operate the sliding mechanism. It is rated for 18,000 pounds gross trailer weight and has a maximum travel of 14 inches for turning clearance. There are both above bed mounting options and below bed mounting options depending on the truck you decide on. When you do let me know and I can make more specific recommendations.

The alternative is to keep your existing hitch and use a Sidewinder pin box provided that there is one that will fit in place of your Mor/Ryde pin box. To determine if there is a Sidewinder that will fit I will need to know the model number of the pin box or some specific measurements that can be found in the attached help article.

expert reply by: Michael H