5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Air Bags for a 2014 Ram 1500 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed
Question:
I have the 2014 Ram Tradesman w/5ft 5.5inch box and am looking to move the a 5th wheel hitch. Current trailers are the Grand Design Reflection series 29 RS and the Jayco 27.5 HT series so I can tow a small boat behind the trailer. Campsites can be up to 90deg backing at times. A set of airbags might also be needed.
asked by: Rick Y
Expert Reply:
Since your 2014 Ram 1500 has the super short 5-1/2 foot bed I recommend going with the 13K Demco HiJacker, # DM8550040. This hitch automatically slides up to 22-1/2 inches which you will need to be able to make 90 degree turns when towing a 5th wheel trailer.
I looked up the specs on the trailers and it looks like each one has a gross weight rating just under 10,000 pounds. This means that the 13,000 pound rated HiJacker listed above will have plenty of capacity assuming the boat and trailer do not push the combined weight over the capacity of the truck.
For an installation kit that will fit your truck and the hitch use # DM8552030-71. I have included a link to a video review of the hitch for you.
You also have to consider the gross combined weight rating of the truck. The gross combined weight rating (check owner's manual and/or door jamb placard on the truck) is the most the truck and trailer(s) can weigh when loaded with fuel, passengers, cargo, and so on. Also, check the laws in the states you will be traveling because in some places it is against the law to tow a trailer behind a trailer.
For air bags the most popular 5,000 pound rated system that fits your truck is the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 system, # AL88365. These air bags also have built-in jounce bumpers for additional support. If you want to be able to add or remove air from the truck cab I also recommend adding compressor system # AL25592. I have linked a video on it as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
Air Lift Load Controller II Compressor System for Air Helper Springs - Single Path
- Air Suspension Compressor Kit
- Wired Control
- Single Path
- Analog Display
- Air Lift
more information >
Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Springs
- Heavy Duty
- Air Lift
more information >
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 13,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 3250 lbs Vertical Load
- 13000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 15-1/4 - 18 Inch Tall
- 22-1/2 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Underbed - 18,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 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
Continue Researching
- Shop: Roof Rack
- Shop: Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: air conditioner parts
- Search Results: fifth wheel installation kit
- Search Results: air suspension compressor kit
- Search Results: air suspension kit
- Search Results: air compressor kit
- Search Results: kayak rack
- Search Results: air conditioner shroud
- Q&A: Best Setup for Fifth Wheel Towing with a 2016 Ram 1500 6 ft Bed EcoDiesel
- Q&A: How Much Drilling is Required to Install Demco 5th Wheel Mount Kit in a 2015 Ram 1500 Short Bed
- Q&A: Wireless Air Compressor For Individual Control of Air Bags
- Q&A: Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch and Rail Kit for 2016 Ram 1500
- Q&A: Fifth Wheel Rail Kit Recommendation for a 2015 Ram 1500 Short Bed
- Q&A: Which Air Bag Is The #1 and #2 For the Manifold on the Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System 73000?
- Q&A: Will a Curt 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch fit a Demco Install Kit and Rails in a 2014 Ram 1500 Diesel
- Shop: Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Underbed - 18,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Dodge Ram - Carbide Finish
- Shop: Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Carbide Finish
- Shop: Rhino-Rack Nautic Stack Kayak Roof Rack w/ Tie-Downs - Post Style - Folding - Universal Mount
- Shop: Firestone Air Command Standard Duty Air Compressor - Smartphone App Only - Single Path
- Shop: Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System for Air Helper Springs - Remote - Bluetooth - EZ Mount
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
on Fifth Wheel Hitch
