Automatic Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2012 Ram 1500 5.5 ft Bed

Question:

I have a 2012 ram 1500 4x4 laramie longhorn short box 57 and want to install a sliding 5th wheel hitch for a 24 ft light 5th wheel trailer. Where exactly in relation to the axle should the hitch pin be located and what type of hitch would you recommend?

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

When towing a fifth wheel trailer you want to have the king pin of the trailer/fifth wheel hitch jaws centered right above the rear axle. Since your 2012 Ram 1500 has a 5-1/2 foot bed there's only one automatic sliding hitch that would have the needed clearance to allow you to make tight turns and that's the Demco Hijacker # DM8550040 as it slides 22-1/2 inches whereas other hitches only slide about half that.

To install it in your truck you'd just need the rail kit part # DM8552030-71 and you'd be set.

expert reply by: Jameson C