5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Installation Kit for a 2014 Ram 1500 Short Bed

Question:

I have a 2014 Ram 1500, quad cab , 64inch bed. What 5th wheel hitch do I need? Do I need a slider?

asked by: Ed B

Expert Reply:

For your 2014 Ram 1500 with 64 inch bed you can use semi-custom installation kit # RP30035-386. The very short bed trucks necessitate a fixed 5th wheel hitch such as # RP30047 and a Sidewinder pin box, otherwise you will not be able to make 90 degree turns without hitting the truck cab and trailer together.

On a 64 inch bed the only option is a Sidewinder but even that sometimes does not offer enough clearance depending on how wide the trailer is. Also, trailers come with a specific make and model pin box. There are Sidewinders for a lot of pin boxes but not all. I have included a link to an FAQ article that shows the Sidewinders available in a chart in the lower half of the FAQ.

Since there are no installation kits available for your truck, you can take some time to determine if there is a Sidewinder that will fit.

If that 64 is actually 6 foot, 4 inches then you can still use a fixed hitch and Sidewinder and it will give you a better ride than a slider. Or you can go with a slider. A Sidewinder means you do not have to get in and out of the truck to make maneuvers.

expert reply by: Michael H