No-Drill 5th Wheel Hitch Bracket/Industry Standard Rail Kit for 2019 Ram 1500 Classic Short Bed

Question:

Hello, I am looking to see what the correct models of fifth wheel mounting rails industry standard would be the correct ones for my 2919 ram 1500 classic 5’7” bed would be. I would like to have truck specific mounting hardware with as little drilling as possible. It does not have airbags but I would like to add some at a later time. Thank you!!

asked by: Chad G

Helpful Expert Reply:

Assuming you have the gas engine, for a industry standard 5th wheel bracket/bed rail install kit that won't require drilling into the truck frame I'd recommend the Reese # RP50142-58.

We offer air springs that install into the factory coil springs such as the Air Lift # AL60818HD, but the hitch frame brackets would prevent you from installing a typical air spring set up like the Air Lift Load Lifter # AL57365.

I see that you'd looked into a Curt # 16516 Sliding 5th wheel hitch. The 5 foot bed trucks usually aren't capable of towing a fifth wheel trailer unless your 5th wheel has a Reese Sidewinder/Revolution or Lippert Turning Point pin box. Unfortunately, the 12 inches of travel provided by most sliding hitches usually won't provide enough clearance. Sidewinders are pin box specific, so you'd need to get the model number that would be found on a sticker on the pin box itself. I'll link you to a help article about the Sidewinder that explains how it works and lists what Sidewinder models fit which OEM pin boxes.

Demco makes an autoslide 5th wheel hitch, part # DM8550040 that would offer plenty of clearance for turns, and would be compatible with the less expensive rail kit mentioned above. With this option, you could retain your standard pin box.

I've also linked you to a product description for the Demco Hijacker Autoslide hitch I mentioned above.