5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2012 Dodge Ram 1500 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed
Updated 04/07/2017 | Published 04/06/2017
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Question:
Yes I have a 2012 dodge ram with 5.5box. Just bought a 99 coachman Catalina 28 foot. It all ready has the extended hitch on camper can I get away with just regular 5th wheel hitch
asked by: Brian P
Expert Reply:
If the pin box on the trailer is a Revolution or Sidewinder then yes you would use a fixed 5th wheel hitch in your 2012 Ram 1500 with the 5-1/2 foot bed. If it is just an extended pin box then no, you would have to use a Sidewinder pin box to move the pivot point of the trailer back 22 inches. Sidewinders fit in place of specific pin boxes so I would need to know the manufacturer and model number of the pin box itself. This information is usually found on a plate or sticker on the pin box.
If there isn't a Sidewinder available for that particular pin box then the other option is to use the Demco 13K hitch which travels 22-1/2 inches. Either way you will need to have an installation kit for a 5th wheel hitch.
You can use kit # DM8552030-71 to add rails to the truck. If you decide to go with the Demco 13K autosliding hitch (if the trailer does not have a Sidewinder and one isn't available for it) then it is # DM8550040.
If a Sidewinder is used then I recommend the Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs # C16115 with the necessary wedge, part # RP64FR.
