Is Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch Needed For 2021 Ram 2500 6-1/2 Foot Bed & Puck System

Question:

Good evening. I have a 2021 Ram 2500 with a 6.5 bed and the puck system. Do I need a sliding hitch for my 5th wheel?

asked by: Nic R

Expert Reply:

Hi Nic,

Generally yes, for a truck bed under 8 feet long like on your 2021 Ram 2500 you do need a sliding 5th wheel hitch. That said, there are 5th wheel trailers that have a tapered nose designed to allow the use of fixed 5th wheel hitches as they won't contact the cab on right turns, so if that's the type of trailer you have, then a sliding hitch isn't needed.

With that in mind, the hitch I love for your 2021 Ram 2500 with the puck system is the Curt A20 due to its ease of use and strong jaw system. Here are your options for a sliding hitch (which needs an adapter), or a fixed hitch:

- Fixed Hitch: Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ram Towing Prep Package # C16044

- Sliding Hitch: Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ S20 Slider # C55DR & Adapter Rails # C16022

The A20's dual jaws are an interlocking system that fully encompasses the king pin, which is important because that means there isn't space for it to move, giving you a more comfortable towing experience than lesser hitches.

I also really like its simple color-coded indicator system, which is on the back of the hitch head and visible from your truck, letting you know if the jaws on the hitch are ready to couple, uncouple or tow. Green means the jaws are locked and you're ready to go, yellow means the jaws are open and ready to couple up, while red means the jaws are locked open and you can pull away.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Nic R.

5/9/2024

I'm not sure if you have a list of those trailers but I just purchased a 2018 Forest River Cherokee 255RR. Would this trailer have the clearance I need?