Installation Measurements For Reese 5th Wheel For Dodge Ram Pickup Short Bed

Question:

Trying to find out if I have what I need I have the Reese 30033 hitch and 30035 rail kit, cannot find a video on a short bed for measurements etc. Do I have what I need?

asked by: Steve M

Expert Reply:

I am pleased to let you know that as long as you have all the contents that came with both products you have everything you need to have a successful install.

The Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP30035 is indeed a fit for your 2000 Dodge Ram Pickup 6-1/2 Foot Bed. I have the exact measurements in the instruction manual attached on page 13 (see attached). For a Dodge Ram Pickup with a short box, you have to measure 28-7/16 from the rear edge of the truck bed to rear edge of the base rail.

The Installation Kit # RP30035 will work with the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30033.

On this hitch # RP30033 when pulling most trailers you may not have the ability to make 90 degree turns because you have a short bed (on) AND a fixed hitch.

To make tight turns you may have to go with a sliding hitch.

Another option instead of replacing the hitch is, you can replace the pin box on your trailer with a Sidewinder and that will allow the clearance. Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have now in order to pick out the correct one. There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.

Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.

The sliding hitch option I recommend is an automatic slider hitch like the Demco Hijacker part # DM8550034. This will automatically slide back as you make tight turns allowing you the clearance you'd need.