Demco 5th Wheel Base Rail Kit Position in 2007 Dodge Ram Short-Bed Pickup

Updated 09/25/2017 | Published 09/23/2017

Question:

Can you tell me on the 2007 Dodge RAM 2500 short bed, is the center of the hitch supposed to be 3” forward of the rear axle? The bracket instruction kit says center of the rear rail is 32” from the rear of the bed. Is this measurement correct and is 3” forward of the axle a standard in general or just for this truck? I’ve read online and in your hitch instructions that the ideal location for the hitch is directly over the axle up to 3” ahead of it. I just want to make sure I’m in the correct/ideal location before mounting. I have the Demco HJ32015 frame bracket kit. Thanks…

asked by: Dave B

Expert Reply:

5th wheel hitch installation typically places the hitch center (where the king pin will be when the trailer is hitched) directly over or slightly forward of the rear axle center line. The exact position does depend on the specific vehicle configuration.

Demco base rail kit # DM8552015-71 which fits the short-bed 2007 Ram 2500 does indeed have its rear base rail positioned so that its centerline is 32-inches from the rear edge of the bed.

expert reply by: Adam R