Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2001 Dodge Ram Short Bed

Updated 08/24/2016 | Published 08/23/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(711)

$1795.00

Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Universal Install Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches

(11)

$332.94

Question:

Please tell me what hitch to buy. Iam towing a 40 ft. Fifth wheel made by heartlandbig country 3900 FLP. 16 000 lb.Also can air bags be installed with hitch installed

asked by: Deforest Y

Expert Reply:

For short bed trucks like yours you will need a slider hitch to allow your truck and trailer the clearance needed for sharp corners. My favorite hitch to recommend for this is the Demco Hijacker part # DM8550034 because it will automatically move itself back whenever you get into a tight turn. This prevents the hassle of getting out and operating the slider.

For a fifth wheel rail kit confirmed to fit your 2001 Dodge Ram you would want the part # DM8552009-71.

Timbren suspension kits will fit your truck and clear the hitch rail kit, but air bags aren't going to be a confirmed fit. Since there are several different variations of your truck you would need to follow the link I attached so that you can select your vehicle variation and see the correct fits.

expert reply by: Jameson C