Will Demco 13k Autoslide Hitch Allow for Turning Clearance in 5-1/2 foot Truck Bed

Published 06/15/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Under Bed - 13,000 lbs

(711)

$2349.00

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

(711)

$1795.00

Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(396)

$520.01

Question:

Thank you for the reply that answered the question the way I asked it. This time I'll clarify a little better. I would need the bigger/more heavy duty Demco slider as my 5th wheel weighs 12,000 lbs empty/dry. Also my truck is a 2017 Ram Crew Cab 2500. I believe it has a 6' bed. Its puzzling how the lighter duty hitch has a further travel than the heavier duty one. You'd think they would make them more similar. If the 13k rated hitch would work, I would be interested in researching it a little more. Jameson, I greatly appreciate your help with my dilemma. Also, any further questions you might have feel free to ask and I will answer to the best of my ability.

asked by: Mike M

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Demco 13k Auto Slider part # DM8550041 will automatically slide up to 22-1/2 inches as you make tight turns. That's substantially more than other slider hitches and it's currently the only slider hitch we can recommend for a truck with a 5-1/2 foot bed like I am assuming you have. There is a formula that you can use if you want to be cautious though.

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from the fifth wheel jaw center to the truck cab (you can use rear axle center)
B = Slider distance (22-1/2 inches)
C = Width of the nose of the trailer divided by 2.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Mike M.

6/15/2018

Jameson C.

6/15/2018

Since I know you have a 2500 that means you have a longer bed than 5-1/2 feet. So that means you can use the higher 18k Hijacker part # DM8550034 which will slide far enough to give you clearance and has an 18k capacity.