Best 5th Wheel Hitch Options and Base Rails for 2019 Ram 2500 With Short 6-1/2 Foot Bed
Question:
I have a 2019 Ram 2500 with the short bed. It does not have the prep package. Which hitch and rails should I have installed in my truck?
asked by: Tom T
Expert Reply:
I am going to give you the best options for a 5th wheel hitch and rails for your 2019 Ram 2500 with a short bed and a brief explanation as to why to try and help you make the most informed decision possible.
- Best Overall: B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Slider # BWRVK3400-5W with Custom Underbed Installation Kit # BWGNRK1320-5W
The Companion is the best because of its immense jaws, cushioned bushings, and pivoting head, which combine to give you the most comfortable and quiet towing experience possible. The jaws on the Companion are 1 inch thick, and if you take a look at the accompanying photo you can see the full breadth of these jaws and why they act like an adhesive to your king pin. If this were my 2019 Ram 2500, this is the option I would go with.
- Best for Convenience: Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Slider # DM8550034 (18,000 lbs) or # DM8550035 (21,000 lbs) with Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches # DM8552025-71
The Hijacker is unique and the most convenient because its autoslide feature doesn't require you to leave your Ram's cab to make a tight turn - it slides totally on its own. And while that is a compelling reason on its own, the Hijacker also a very good single-piece jaw that wraps totally around the king pin, and is reinforced via a 3/4" solid steel bar that locks into place once the jaw is closed.
- Best for Budget Conscious: Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with R20 Slider # C16541 with Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ram Truck # C16427-204
The B&W and Demco are the two top-of-the line options, but their excellence does have a certain price. For the more budget conscious there is only one other option I would consider, and that's the A20. This hitch is high-quality and has a sturdy dual-jaw system while also being user-friendly with a handy color-coded indicator system which will let you know if the jaws on the hitch are ready to couple, uncouple or tow.
I have added links to video reviews, installs and instruction manuals for you to check out as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Below the Bed
- B and W
more information >
B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- B and W
more information >
Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ram Truck - Carbide Finish
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- CURT
more information >
Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R20 Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17-1/2 - 21-1/2 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 16-1/2 - 19-1/4 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 21,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 5250 lbs Vertical Load
- 21000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 15-1/4 - 18 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Demco
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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