5th Wheel Towing with 2018 Ram Mega Cab with Short Box
Updated 01/07/2019 | Published 01/04/2019
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I need to extend the Teton Fifth Wheel Hitch for the New Truck. Based upon the Dodge Truck Information the distance inside the bed of a 2018 Dodge Crew Cab with Long Bed to the center fifth wheel hitch dimension is 54 1/2 and the 2018 Dodge Mega Cab with Short Bed is 34 1/2. I was hoping to install the #LC369535 to improve the truck ride and extend the trailer fifth wheel hitch for the short bed. The difference in length is 20. Based upon the #LC369535 dimensions it seems like it will work! Can you confirm?
asked by: Brian S
Expert Reply:
Lippert's Trailair Flex Air 5th Wheel Pin Box # LC369535 that you referenced is designed specifically as a bolt on replacement for their OEM model 1621 pin box. It appears you have a different model of telescoping pin box. The Flex Air will not work.
6-1/2-foot bed trucks need a sliding 5th wheel hitch which usually give you 10 to 12-inches of travel for extra turning clearance. Some hitches like the 18K Demco # DM8550034 and the 21K Demco # DM8550035 give a full 14-inches of travel and they slide AUTOMATICALLY when you make a sharp turn. No need to get out of the truck to release the slide mechanism before making your turn.
Both can use install kit # DM8552030-71 which is an above-bed rail setup that works with any industry-standard hitch. The linked page will allow you to select your specific truck configuration to then see suitable hitches.
The linked diagram shows the recommended minimum clearances for 5th wheel towing, both behind the tow vehicle and above its bed rails.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Flex Air 5th Wheel Pin Box - Lippert 1621 - 21,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Upgraded Pin Box
- Absorbs Road Shock and Reduces Chucking
- 21000 lbs
- Air Ride Suspension
- Fixed Turret
- Lippert 1621
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Q&A: Why Would Lippert Recommend Adding Higher Rated Flex Air Pin Box to 2023 Highland Ridge Roamer
- Q&A: What are the Size and Weight Differences of the Curt Helux and Reese Goosebox Pin Boxes?
- Q&A: Which Curt Flex Air Pin Box Fits 2022 Alliance Paradigm 310RL With Rhino Box
- Q&A: How To Determine Which Pin Box I Have and What Replacements Are Available
- Q&A: Comparison of Curt LC158778 and Curt LC369535 Flex Air Pin Box for Lippert 1621HD
- Q&A: Will The Curt Flex Air Pin Box Add More Clearance Than The Rota-Flex Pin Box
- Q&A: Length Of The Curt Flex Air 5th Wheel Pin Box # LC369535
- Article: 30-Amp and 50-Amp RV Service: What's the Difference?
- Article: Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips
- Article: Converting Your RV Water Heater to Tankless
- Article: What are the Common Types of Propane Fittings Used on RVs?
- Article: The Best Trailer Tongue Locks for Preventing Trailer Theft
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch