Can 2014 Ram 2500 With 20-Inch Wheels Have Clearance Issues Towing Fifth Wheel Trailer

Question:

I have a 2014 ram 2500 4x4 shortbed with 20in wheels would I have a problem with a 5th wheel with my truck siting up so high and hitting my bed or getting it level

asked by: Ed S

Expert Reply:

This is a common issue with folks who want to tow a fifth wheel trailer. There are a couple things you can do to make sure you have everything set up correctly.

You will want the hitch to be set at the height that 1) allows the trailer to be level, and 2) allows you a minimum of 6 inches between the bottom of the trailer loft and the top of the bed rails. Fifth wheel hitches offer several inches of up and down adjustment to help accomplish this.

Many pin boxes are also height adjustable To do this you will want to measure from the top of your truck bed floor to the ground and then measure from the plate of the pin box on the trailer down to the ground when the trailer is level on level ground. The difference between these two measurements is the correct hitch height you would need.

Keep in mind that with a short bed on your truck you will need either a sliding fifth wheel hitch or a fixed fifth wheel hitch and a Sidewinder pin box on the trailer.

The sliding fifth wheel hitch I recommend is the Demco Hijacker Autoslide, part # DM8550034. This has three height settings and offers 14-inches of front to back travel so you can execute turns. The installation kit for your truck is part # DM8552025-71.