Recommended 5TH Wheel Hitch For a Lifted 2012 Ram 3500 Short Bed Truck
Question:
I need a fifth wheel kit for a 2012 Ram 3500. 6.7L. Short bed. 5-6” lift. Can you tell me what I’ll need. Thanks
asked by: Randy C
Expert Reply:
I recommend the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550037 for your 2012 Ram 3500 short bed. The auto-slide will ensure that you do not hit your trailer against the back of your cab when having to maneuver in tight areas. The auto-slide head and brackets will fit standard pin boxes that are between 12" and 14" wide, for others you may require a specific locking plate. If you can let me know what pin box you have I can let you know the correct plate. While there are manual sliders having the lifted truck will make it much more difficult to reach the handle to unlock the hitch and move into the maneuvering position.
To attach the Demco Hijacker to your Ram an Underbed Rail and Installation Kit # DM8551005 will allow you to maintain a clean bed with no rails inside the bed when the hitch is removed.
Before connecting to a 5th wheel you will want to measure the height of your bed rails and add 6". You will want to raise the front of the 5th wheel trailer this high to the underbelly on the 5th wheel overhang. This will allow you to check the ride height angle of the trailer. With having a lifted truck it is common to have to add a lift kit to the trailer to ensure it rides level and the rear of the trailer is not to close to the ground. Kits like the Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kit # LC87120 and Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit # K71-385-00 may be able to be added to gain additional height to level the trailer.
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Products Referenced in This Question
Underbed Rail and Installation Kit for Demco UMS 5th Wheel and Gooseneck Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Below the Bed
- Demco
more information >
Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Double Eye Springs
- Round Axle - 3 Inch
- Dexter
more information >
Correct Track Trailer Alignment and Lift Kit - Single Axle
- Trailer Suspension Parts
- Alignment and Lift Kits
- Boat Trailer
- Camper
- Car Hauler
- Snowmobile Trailer
- Utility Trailer
- Slipper Springs - 2 Inch
- Single Axle
- RV Ride Control
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Underbed - 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
- 15-1/2 - 18-1/4 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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