Recommended Fifth Wheel Hitch For 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 With Truck Bed Toolbox

Updated 04/05/2017 | Published 04/04/2017

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:

I have a 97 dodge 2500 4x4 longbed. It has a 100 gal L tank with tool box and tool box sit 7inch above the bed and fuel tank pump is up against the rear window. Could a auto slider like the pullrite,sidewinder or comparable be used to gain clearance for turning . I would hate to have to keep removing the tank/box all the time

asked by: Robert S

Expert Reply:

You can put a sliding fifth wheel hitch in your 1997 Dodge 2500 and that would give you additional clearance behind the cab. The concern I have is the clearance above the bed rails with your tool box and fuel pump. I have attached a drawing that shows how much clearance is needed above the bed rails when towing. You will need 5 to 6 inches clearance above the bed.

I recommend the Demco Hijacker Autoslide part # DM8550034. This hitch automatically slides rearward 14-inches when you are making turns and returns when you straighten out. The installation kit for this hitch is part # DM8552009-71.

To make sure you have the clearance you can measure from the center of your king pin to the nose of the trailer and then in the truck bed measure from the center of the rear axle forward to the toolbox. That will show you whether your toolbox interferes with the trailer when towed.

I have attached a link to a helpful article you can check out.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L