Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch

Updated 05/18/2025 | Published 03/31/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs

(679)

$1725.00

Question:

Will a fixed position fifth wheel hitch work in a 6.5 ft bed and not cause turning problems when pulling a 8ft. wide fifth wheel trailer.

asked by: Dean

Helpful Expert Reply:

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch.

That being said you have two options. If you really want to use a stationary hitch like the part # RP30033 you can replace the pin box on your trailer with a Sidewinder and that will allow the clearance.

Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have now in order to pick out the correct one.

There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.

Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.

The other option is an automatic slider hitch like the Demco Hijacker part # DM8550034. This will automatically slide back as you make tight turns allowing you the clearance you'd need.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Cody G.

6/10/2020

I have a 2012 Ram Mega Cab DRW 3500 with 6'3" bed. I tow an 8.5' Toyhauler. I currently use a Pullrite Superglide hitch. I am considering a Reese Goosebox and installing the underbed turn-over ball. Is this a viable idea or a non-starter? If it is viable, would I be able to achieve a 90deg turn, or how close to it? Would it require the use of an off-set ball adapter?

Chris R.

6/15/2020

You would definitely lose a lot of cab clearance when making this switch, but I definitely understand the desire to have a clean bed when you're not towing. It's hard to know exactly how tight of a turn you can make, but I doubt you'll be able to do a full 90 degree maneuver, even when using an offset ball like # BWGNXA4085. This setup is possible, but you'll just have to be a lot more careful when making sharp turns. If you decide to go this route, I would take the Ram and trailer up to a nearby empty parking lot just to test out your new limitations before heading out on your first trip.

Mark K.

4/16/2022

@CodyG I own a Ram 2500 with 6'4" bed, I pull a 40' Keystone Montana with it using an anderson hitch rated at 24k lb pulling weight. 90 deg, no problem, it attaches to gooseneck ball , adapter attaches to king pin, and I can quickly and easily remove it from the bed with 1 hand. (I am 60 years old) I love this hitch, I have only hauled from AZ to lake Michigan with it so far, but love it!

Don

5/22/2022

I am Using a Dodge Ram 2500 pulling 42 foot Sabre. My set up is the Anderson hitch. I do t have much of an issue with turning however, I get a lot of chucking and pushing and pulling with this hitch. I have the B&W turnover ball and have been thinking about changing g out to a slider? Thoughts

See All (11) Replies to Cody G. ∨

Wayne M.

3/2/2025

Hi Jameson C. I have a 2018 Silverado 2500 HD Duramax with the Double Cab, 6-1/2' bed. I have a B&W Turnover Ball, underbed hitch and B&W 4" Offset Ball that I used in conjunction with the Reese Goosebox conversion on my 2020 Open Range Light 335MBH Fifth wheel trailer. I have never come close to hitting the back of my truck cab with the trailer. And this is with our two e-bikes mounted up on the front of the trailer! I can actually turn slightly more than 90 degrees, truck to trailer, if absolutely needed, but I do not make a practice of doing that! Just another alternative that has worked great for me for going on ten years with this set-up. It was used previously on our 2005 GMC Sierra 2500/Cougar 336BHS. Thanks, Wayne

Jameson C.

3/3/2025

@WayneM Thank you for sharing that! We are finding that on modern trailers with tapered noses slider hitch options aren't needed as much so we appreciate the feedback!

Mic C.

5/17/2025

@WayneM Can you please send me pics of your setup and what your using

Wayne M.

5/18/2025

@MicC can you direct message me, or email me so that I can reply to you with the pictures you requested, attached.