Will I Have Enough Clearance to Tow a Fifth Wheel Trailer with 2015 Ram 2500 with Sleeper Shell
Question:
Hello, I have a 2015 ram 2500 crew cab 4x4 with 64inch bed. I am purchasing a Jayco Eagle HT fifth wheel 96inch wide with standard pin box. I am considering an auto slider hitch, or a standard hitch plus airborne sidewinder. Can you please help with a couple of hitch questions? I am considering getting a sleeper shell that would take up the front 30inch of the bed, leaving about 36inch of empty bed. 1. Would that be enough space for a standard hitch and airborne sidewinder to work? 2. Would that be enough room for an auto slider hitch to work? 3. If that is not enough room, what is the minimum clear length needed to work correctly? Thank you!
asked by: David D
Expert Reply:
Unfortunately, there's no way you're going to get enough turning clearance with only 36 inches of bed space with either a sliding hitch or Sidewinder. You won't even be able to install the fifth wheel hitch with the sleeper shell installed. The hitch would be too far back in the truck bed.
In order to determine the amount of clearance you have you're going to need to do a little measuring and a little math.
Once installed, a fifth wheel hitch can sit either directly over or about 3 inches from the center of the axle towards the truck's cab. Placing the hitch any closer to the rear of the truck will put too much strain on the rear suspension. So you will want to meaure from this point in the truck's bed to the back of the cab. Take that number and add it to the amount of travel the sliding hitch is going to have (Or 22 inches for a Sidewinder). The amount of travel will depend on the hitch you're using. The Demco Hijacker Autoslide # DM8550034 travels up to 14 inches.
After you add those together subtract half of the width of your trailer from that. So it will be the number you calculated minus 48. That will be the amount of turning clearance you have and you want at least 4 inches.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 16-1/2 - 19-1/4 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs
- Video: Manufacturer Review - Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: Tool Box
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: SaltDogg Electric Tailgate Salt Spreader for 2" Hitch - Powered Auger - 11 Cu Ft
- Q&A: 3-year-Old Jayco HT Eagle 5th Wheel Trailer has Started Chucking
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Does Weight of Fifth Wheel Hitch Count as Payload in 2019 Ram 2500 with OEM Rail Kit
- Q&A: Do The Reese Rails RP58058 and Curt Rail C16204 Both Fit Same Fifth Wheel Hitches
- Q&A: How to Keep Head of Demco Hijacker Autoslide Hitch Lubricated for Smooth Operation
- Q&A: Does the Demco Hijacker Auto-Slide Hitch Slide Back When Backing Up
- Shop: DeeZee Truck Bed Auxiliary Tank - Rectangle - Aluminum - 39 Gallon
- Shop: Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches
- Shop: Kat's Heaters Thermostatically Controlled Circulating Tank Heater - 120V - 1,500 Watts
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers - Rear Axle
- Q&A: Is a Locking Plate Needed with Demco Hijacker Autoslide Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Video: Best 2017 Ram 2500 Fifth Wheel Hitch Options
- Video: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Ultimate Rear Air Helper Springs with Internal Jounce Bumpers Review
- Video: DIY Install: Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider on your 2014 Ram 2500
- Video: Comprehensive Review: Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider
- Video: Checking Out the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider
- Search Results: reese bed rails
- Search Results: 82215838ab
- Search Results: 5th wheel rail kit
- Shop: Off Road Lights
- Shop: Trim Kits
- Shop: Vehicle Engine Heaters
- Shop: Performance Chip Tuners