Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendations for 2014 Ram Short Bed
Updated 06/25/2016 | Published 06/24/2016
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Question:
I just bought a 2014 Ram crew cab with a 6foot 4inch bed and need a hitch for it. Would like a slider and have room to put a small tool box in the front of the bed. Recommendations? It doesnt currently have any hitch in it.
asked by: Jude S
Expert Reply:
I really like the Demco Autoslide, part # DM8550034. The Hijacker Autoslide automatically slides rearward during low speed turns, which eliminates the need to exit the truck cab to unlock a manual slider. The hitch has an 18K capacity and a single piece wrap-around jaw that holds the king pin very tightly, so there's almost no rattle or bang to get transferred to the truck during acceleration and braking.
For a manually operated slider, I'd recommend the Curt A20, part # C16541. This hitch has a manual slider and a dual jaw setup that does a good a job of keeping the king pin immobile for a comfortable ride.
Unless you're not planning on towing very often or your on a very strict budget, I wouldn't recommend a fifth wheel hitch that uses a slide bar jaw like the Curt E16 you looked at, part # 16516. The slide bar holds the king pin well enough that there's no chance of it coming loose, but the king pin will be able to move around in the hitch. Each time you accelerate and brake, the king pin can bang around quite a bit, making for an unpleasant ride.
For an install kit, best practice is to use an install kit recommended by the hitch manufacturer. If you decide on the Demco, I'd recommend the # DM8552025-71. If you opt for the Curt, go with the # C16427-204 install bracket/rail kit.
To install a 7-way trailer connector into the truck bed, use part # 41157.
Ideally, you'll want to have at least 6 inches of clearance between the top of the bed sides and the underside of the 5th wheel's trailer loft. Therefore, you really shouldn't go with a crossover style toolbox which extends above the height of the bed sides. I'd recommend a chest style box like the # DZ8556 for a silver finish.
For easy toolbox access, I'd recommend a truck bed step like # B7541315 from Bestop. The step is a no-drill application that will only fit on the driver side of the bed. The step is spring loaded and will stow or deploy with just a flick of your foot.
