Best Ride Quality and Safest 5th Wheel Towing Setup for a 2016 Ram 3500 Short Bed

Question

Question:

Im new to RVing and currently have a blank slate. I dont want to buy then start swapping hitches or other parts to improve ride comfort and reliability. So Im looking for some advice regarding the best set ups to consider. I prefer a solution that can be removed and leave the truck bed unobstructed but could live with rails if I had too. Will be towing ~ 14k with ~ 2.5K hitch weight Planning on a RAM 3500 Single Rear Wheel 6.5 bed so I could get the Ram factory 5th wheel set up if thats a better solution than add ons. Im assuming a slider is a near must have. A multi pivot, cushioned hitch head also appears to be highly advantageous. Im also interested in air cushioned hitch or perhaps pin box. As you can see I want it all just not sure how to best put the available products together to get it. Also not clear on the Pros and Cons of various set up options beyond the obvious pros of the various individual parts, i.e Demco autoslider, Air ride hitches, air pin boxes, improved ride but potential air leaks, etc. Most information I have found does not address disadvantages of the various products which I would like to understand and factor into my decision. So the question is given a blank slate what product, or combination of products would you recommend that would provide air cushion hitch interface, slider and under bed mounting? Perhaps a BandW Companion or Demco autoslider with a air pin box, or maybe a trailersaver TS3 with a slider set up or??? Thanks in advance for your insight and assistance.

asked by: George

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

It looks like you have done quite a bit of research already, so I'll try to fill in the gaps. It is hard to choose one particular setup that is best for any towing situation because there are so many different truck and trailer combinations that you can choose from. We know you are considering a Ram 3500 short bed, but choosing the best towing package will really depend on the trailer you end up choosing. For example, Ram's short bed is actually a little shorter than the 6-1/2 ft. beds from GM and Ford. This means that they can run into turning clearance problems, even with a sliding hitch, unless you buy a 5th wheel trailer with a nose specifically designed for short bed trucks or choose a trailer with an extended pin box. Keep in mind, when it comes to turning clearance, you can't beat a truck with an 8ft bed.

Without knowing what 5th wheel trailer you will tow, the best setup that I recommend for you is an Air Ride Sidewinder pin box and a fixed cushioned fifth wheel hitch for the Ram OEM 5th wheel package.

I try to avoid air cushioned 5th wheel hitches because they are typically very bulky and very heavy. Since these hitches have a lot of movement, you have to be very careful about what items you put in the bed of your truck to make sure nothing is too close to the hitch. Leaving the air ride feature in the pin box produces the same results and you will not have to fool with it in your truck bed or in your garage. Also, if you find yourself looking for an air leak, then there is only one larger air bag to contend with versus two or more air bags on hitch.

I recommend a Sidewinder pin box because it will give you the maximum amount of turning clearance available. You won't have to worry about hitting the cab of your truck, even in a 90 degree turn. You could look for a trailer with a nose specifically designed for short bed trucks to avoid needing a Sidewinder, but you will have to sacrifice interior space in the 5th wheel depending on the trailer. Sliding hitches like the Demco Hijacker Autoslide are excellent options and one that I highly recommend if it provides enough clearance, but we run into far too many turning clearance issues with Ram short bed trucks, even with a sliding hitch. There is a formula that is used to determine turning clearance when towing a 5th wheel trailer.

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of 5th wheel hitch jaw (or center of axle) to the truck cab
B = Length of sliding hitch travel (typically 12") or Sidewinder arm (22")
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)

For example: Distance from center of axle to back of cab is 36 inches (A). Length of slide travel of a sliding 5th wheel hitch is 12 inches (B) and the trailer is 102 inches (C) wide. 36 + 12 = 48. 102 / 2 = 51. 48 - 51 = -3. (A + B) - C must equal 4 inches. At least 4 inches of clearance is needed to safely execute a 90 degree turn.

Sidewinders are replacement pin boxes, so you will need to know the brand and model number of the OEM pin box to determine which Sidewinder will work with your trailer. You may want to get that information if you are still shopping around to make sure a Sidewinder is available for that trailer. For example, the most common OEM pin box out there is the Lippert 1621. If you find a trailer with that pin box, then the correct air ride Sidewinder is part # RP61422.

I recommend a fixed cushioned 5th wheel hitch for the OEM package, like the Reese M5 # RP30918, because that is going to give you the best ride quality at the hitch and the best connection while keeping the bed of your truck completely empty. If you went with the hitch and pin box setup mentioned above, then you'd also need Wedge # RP44FR.

Finally, I would also consider some sort of suspension enhancement. The Ram 3500 has excellent rear suspension, but there is nothing scarier than feeling light at the front axle going down the interstate. You would have several options to choose from. We use the Timbren springs on our Ram 2500 like part # TDR3500CA and they work like a charm, but we can feel them a little when we aren't towing and hit a good bump or pothole. Air bags are another great option, but as you can imagine, tracking down an air leak can ruin anyone's afternoon. If you get a 4WD model, I recommend the Firestone Ride-Rite Springs # F2615 or the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 # AL88297 for 2WD models.

I have attached a few review videos and help articles for you to check out.