Can The Demco Recon 5th Wheel Hitch Work In A 2016 Ram 3500 Short Bed
Question:
Can this hitch work on a 2016 Ram 3500 mega cab short bed?
asked by: Troy
Expert Reply:
Hi Troy,
While the Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550045-5W will technically fit/mount in the bed of your 2016 Ram 3500, I don't recommend it. Having a short bed means the pivot point for the trailer it closer to the cab which means you could accidentally hit the cab with the nose of the trailer when making a tight turn.
Instead you'd really want a sliding 5th wheel hitch like the B&W Patriot # BWRVK3270. This hitch requires base rails # BWRVK2605 in order to mount so you'd have mounting rails that sat in the bed permanently. If you'd prefer a clear bed when you're not towing then I recommend installing the B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch # BWGNRK1314 and using their Companion with a sliding base # BWRVK3400-5W. Both of these have 12" of travel to scoot the pivot point back and giving you more turning clearance.
Products Referenced in This Question
B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Gooseneck Hitch
- Below the Bed
- Manual Ball Removal
- 7500 lbs TW
- 30000 lbs GTW
- Removable Ball - Stores in Hitch
- Wheel Well Release
- 2-5/16 Hitch Ball
- B and W
more information >
B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- B and W
more information >
B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- B and W
more information >
B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 5250 lbs Vertical Load
- 21000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 15-1/2 - 18 Inch Tall
- Demco
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Charge a Trailer Battery While Driving: 3 Common Problems (And How to Fix Them)
- Q&A: Replacement Hub Needed for Lippert 122093 Hub on 5,200 lbs Axle
- Q&A: Will the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Fit a 2022 Volvo XC90 Recharge
- Article: How to Replace or Install an RV Roof Vent
- Q&A: Can The Furrion Vision S Cameras Be Made To Send Signal To A Kenwood Aftermarket Rear Camera Display
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Q&A: Is There A B&W Companion Hitch For A Truck With A Round Gooseneck Ball Hole?
- Q&A: How Do I Measure the Drop Distance on a Trailer Drop Axle?
- Q&A: Lower Gooseneck Ball For A 2024 Chevy Silverado With The Factory Puck System
- Article: Best 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapters (2023)
- Q&A: Switching From Regular Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Adapter to Recessed Ball Adapter
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Article: Adapters for Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a Gooseneck Hitch
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package