Solutions to Allow 2018 Ram 2500 Short Bed with 5th Wheel Rail Kit Make Tight Turns without Slider

Question:

I am looking for a autoslider 5th wheel hitch that I can install myself with just dropping in and locking 4 pins down like the BandW companion you have listed on the website, Im looking to not have to get out of the truck and just let hitch do all the calculations and work. Which one do you recommend? I have a factory prep package on my truck and are just looking to insert the hitch in and go.

asked by: Greg C

Expert Reply:

I have a couple solutions that I think you'll like but there isn't an automatic sliding fifth wheel hitch that fits your 2018 Ram 2500 short bed with the OEM rail kit. The only way is with the Demco Hijacker AutoSlide part # DM8550035 for the hitch and then the Demco rail adapter part # DM6099 as a way to provide the rails the hitch needs to install.

The other option that allows you to not ever have to worry about turning clearance or getting out and operating a slider mechanism is with a fixed hitch like the Companion part # BWRVK3600 and a Sidewinder pin box replacement. The Sidewinder pin box moves the pivot point back 22-1/2 inches which allows the truck to easily turn without cab interference.

You will need to remove the pin box of the trailer and replace it with a Sidewinder pin box. 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.