Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch to Reduce Chucking with 2016 Ram 3500 and Trailer

Question:

5th Wheel Auto Slide Hitch vs SidewinderI am a little confused on which of these would be better. Could I get a recommended setup for a Ram 3500 with a 6th box. I would like a recommendation on a hitch and pin box setup that will help my chucking problems every time I get on and off with the gas pedal. I am pulling a Coachman Chapparel 5er that is 14500 GVWR

asked by: Jeffry G

Helpful Expert Reply:

A cushioned pin box replacement on the trailer will help somewhat with the chucking you are experiencing, but the hitch itself will make the biggest difference, specifically the jaw design that it comes equipped with.

For your 2016 Ram 3500 with the 6-1/2 foot bed (if it does not have the factory rail kit), I recommend going with the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550035 with the Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit # DM8552026-71. This is an excellent, heavy-duty hitch that features a wraparound, single-piece jaw that will provide 360-degree jaw-to-king-pin contact. This particular component will be the single best thing you can do to reduce the chucking you are experiencing. The 3/4 inch thick, solid steel locking bar will also reinforce this connection, automatically locking into place when the jaw closes. The automatic slider will provide 14 inches of front to back travel for making sharp turns. It has a towing capacity of 21,000 pounds and a vertical load limit of 5,250 pounds.

I have attached a short video demonstration on the 2017 Ram 3500 that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R