Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch And Gooseneck For 2016 Dodge 1500 Short Bed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

There are two different bed sizes and that will determine what will fit, but the Andersen Ultimate is not a fit for a short bed truck. With the extremely short beds in the 2016 Ram 1500, the options are far more limited than beds 6.5 feet or longer. I have a couple recommendations for you that will work well.

For a 6 foot bed, I recommend the Reese Semi-Custom Base Rail and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Dodge Ram 1500 # RP30035-386.

For this bed size, you can use a sliding hitch like the Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs # C16521 which is one of my favorites due to its interlocking locking jaws. This hitch has 12 inches of travel front to back.

A nicer option is an autoslide like the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs # DM8550034. This hitch has 14 inches of travel.

For a 5.5 foot bed, I recommend the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 13,000 lbs # DM8550040 for your hitch. This is the only option that does not require using a Sidewinder Pin Box because it moves automatically to provide clearance as you drive and has a travel distance of 22-1/2 inches but that capacity of 13,000 lbs.

For your 5th wheel rails, I recommend the Reese Quick-Install Custom Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP50142-58.

For your gooseneck on either size bed, I recommend the Curt 25K Gooseneck Plate for Fifth Wheel Rails item # 16055.

With either bed size, you may want to consider adding a wiring harness like # 50-97-410 for easier access and connection.

expert reply by: Jason S

0