Best Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2019 Ram 2500 Short Bed

Question:

Good morning, I recently purchased a 2020 Keystone Hideout 308BHDS and a Ram 2500 with a standard 6 1/2 foot bed. I have been looking at hitches but am curious what i really NEED compared to what is available. I understand that cost normally relates directly to quality, but with all of this being new to me I just want to make sure im not over buying. Thanks for any and all help!

asked by: Jacob R

Expert Reply:

Hey Jake, so I know there's a lot of hitch options for fifth wheel towing and in general you are correct that cost and quality go hand in hand but to answer your question about what you really need versus what's available let's start with the fact that since you have a short bed truck you do need a slider hitch to provide tight turning clearance so you don't hit the cab of your truck on the nose of your trailer around turns.

The Demco Hijacker part # DM8550034 that you referenced is a really great option that takes care of the turning clearance issue in a very convenient way as it slides back automatically as the turn is made so you don't even have to think about it. Most sliders are manual which require you to have to get out and slide the hitch back when in a parking lot, and then forward when leaving the parking lot. The automatic slider is especially nice when the weather isn't ideal since you don't have to get out of the truck at all. To install this in the bed of your 2019 Ram 2500 that does not have the factory hitch prep package you'll need the rail kit part # DM8552025-71 and you'd be set. So this is what I would consider a premium option. The price is higher but what you get is also really valuable.

So if instead you'd be okay with a manual slider the best option is the B and W Companion Slider part # BWRVK3400. This USA made hitch is widely considered to be the best made option on the market. It's built to last, is very easy to use, and also has a reputation for being very quiet. To install this you use the rail kit/gooseneck hitch part # BWGNRK1320 which has the benefit of giving you a totally open bed when not in use and also a gooseneck hitch if ever needed. I'd say this is also a premium option but it's also the best value as you are getting the best while paying fairly for it. It's not an over priced option that's really nothing special.

I attached a couple review videos for you to check out as well.