Is Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch Absolutely Necessary for 2022 Ram 2500 Short Bed Truck
Question:
I have a 2022 Ram 2500 short bed with the OEM pucks in the bed. Do I need a sliding 5th wheel hitch?
asked by: Mike S
Expert Reply:
We typically will recommend sliding 5th wheel hitches for trucks with a bed shorter than 8 feet, unless your 5th wheel has dished-in front corners an the 5th wheel manufacturer specifically states that a sliding hitch isn't needed I'd strongly urge you to use a sliding hitch. Not having the proper clearance between the cab and front of the 5th wheel can cause extensive and costly damage to both the truck and the 5th wheel, so in the long run going with the sliding hitch is definitely the way to go.
The B&W Companion sliding hitch you'd looked at, part # BWRVK3670 is what I typically recommend. This high-quality US made hitch features massive 1 inch thick jaws that hold the 5th wheel king pin very tightly which prevents the king pin from moving around in the hitch. The dampened hitch head helps isolate the truck from the road shock experienced by the 5th wheel which makes for much better ride quality.
If the idea of having to get out of the truck to release the sliding mechanism every time you need to do some low-speed maneuvering is what's turning you off on a sliding hitch, you might be interested in the Demco Hijacker Autoslide, part # DM8550034 for an 18K capacity or # DM8550035 for a 21K capacity. You'll also need the # DM6099 puck adapter. During turns, the hitch head of the Hijacker Autoslide will slide rearward then return to the forward position as the turn is completed.
I've linked to a description video for the Hijacker Autoslide works.
Products Referenced in This Question
Demco 5th Wheel Rail Adapter for Ram OEM 5th Wheel Towing Prep Package - 25,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Adapters
- Rail Adapter
- Demco
more information >
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 16-1/2 - 19-1/4 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 21,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 5250 lbs Vertical Load
- 21000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 15-1/4 - 18 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider for Ram Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ram
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- B and W
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Ram Prep Package - 18K
- Shop: Firestone Air Command Heavy Duty Air Compressor - Smartphone App Only - Single Path
- Video: Air Lift WirelessAIR Suspension System Review
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 7' Long
- Shop: Firestone Air Command Standard Duty Air Compressor - Remote and Smartphone App - Dual Path
- Shop: Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs
- Shop: Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret - 20,000 lbs
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Q&A: Slider Hitch versus Sidewinder Pin Box Turning Clearance for Short Bed Truck
- Video: Review of Firestone Air Suspension Compressor Kit - Dual Air Command System - F49VV
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Extreme Duty Rear Air Helper Springs Installation - 2022 Ram 2500
- Shop: Firestone Air Command Extreme Duty Air Compressor with Tank - Smartphone App Only - Dual Path
- Video: Review of Air Lift Air Suspension Compressor Kit - Wireless Control Upgrade Kit - AL87DQ
- Video: Review of Air Lift Air Suspension Compressor Kit - WirelessAIR For Air Helper Spring - AL27DQ
- Video: Manufacturer Review - Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Q&A: Does Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch Need to Be Used With Lippert Turning Point Rotating 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Q&A: Which MORryde Cushioned Pin Box Fits 2022 KZ Durango D311BHD
- Video: MORryde Cushioned 5th Wheel Pin Box Review
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Shop: Tailgate
- Shop: Truck Bed Tailgate Assist
- Shop: Headache Rack
- Search Results: hitch anti rattle
- Search Results: air bag suspension
- Search Results: locking hitch pin
- Search Results: hitch pins and clips