Fifth Wheel Hitch Weight Compared to Truck Payload Capacity for Safely Towing with 2019 Ram 1500

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Question:

Thanks for response. The only thing I forgot to mention is we have the 5.7' bed. Will that make a difference.? Thanks

asked by: Peter G

0

Expert Reply:

The 2018 Forest River Wildcat 28sgx will not be an issue for you to tow. The payload of your truck is slightly different than the hitch weight of your 5th wheel trailer. The reason for the difference is that the payload is based on the bed itself and the strength distributed over the frame whereas the 5th wheel base rails or factory pucks are directly bolted to the frame and have a much higher weight capacity because they aren't simply dispersed over the sheet metal and are directly mounted over the axle location. You will definitely be safe based on weight. Based on the information given, it appears you have the crew cab with 6-1/2 foot bed.

If you don't yet have a 5th wheel hitch and rail kit for your 2019 Ram 1500 Laramie, I recommend the B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # BWRVK2604 along with the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs # BWRVK3270. This manual sliding hitch is a great option for your truck and will give you a really high quality strong hitch to get you safely down the road. The sliding hitch will give you 12 inches of travel between the locking points to give you the turning clearance needed on your 6-1/2 foot bed to protect your truck and trailer.

If you are interested in an autosliding hitch so you don't need to make the manual adjustments, then I recommend using the same base rail kit but then the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider # DM8550034. This hitch automatically slides with 14 inches of travel so you can stay in the comfort of your cab even during the tight turns like around gas pumps.

I've attached videos of each option to assist. I also recommend adding a second 7-way trailer connection to the bed of your truck using # A10-7007. This will give you a clean look and an easy connection point for your trailer.

expert reply by: Jason S

0

Peter

4/11/2019

Thanks for response. The only thing I forgot to mention is we have the 5.7' bed. Will that make a difference.? Thanks

Jason S.

4/11/2019

I am really glad you followed up. YES! The 5-1/2 foot bed is a game changer due to turning clearances. My recommendation is to use the Demco base rail kit # DM8552032-71 and then the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider # DM8550040. This specific hitch is unique because it is rated for a max capacity of 13,000 lbs but has an amazing 22-1/2 inches of travel to give you the turning clearance you need for that 5-1/2 foot short bed. Your alternative option is to use the same base rail kit with the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Double Pivot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM6076P-16K. This fixed hitch can then be paired with a Sidewinder pin box to give you 22 inches offset for your turning clearance. Your Forest River Wildcat trailer has a 1621 pin box so you can use either the # RP34FR or the air ride equipped # RP61422. I've attached some videos and an article to assist.

Answer 1

Hey Miguel, this is a great question but I think your first though of going with the B and W setup is the best. So for that you'd want the part #BWRVK3500 for the fifth wheel hitch and then for the rail kit that also doubles as a gooseneck hitch…

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Answer 2

It sounds like the purpose of getting the air helper spring would be to counteract the 1 inch compression you're getting in your rear suspension caused by the pin weight of your 5th wheel. If that's the case, I believe that the AirLift 5000…

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Answer 3

The Reese hitch you have will be compatible with ISR rails like the B&W #BWRVK2505. These custom-fit brackets are designed to work with factory holes in your Sierra's frame to make the installation easier and much faster. If you plan on…

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Answer 4

With this truck bed configuration (6-3/4) on your 2024 Silverado 2500, you'll need a slider hitch so that you can make turns properly without the trailer making contact with your truck. I recommend the B&W Patriot #BWRVK3270 due to it's…

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Answer 5

For your application I recommend installing the Demco UMS Underbed Rail Kit #DR37FR on your 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 and using the Hijacker Autoslide #DM8550037. The reason behind this is twofold; the Hijacker has more height adjustability and it…

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Answer 6

There are two ways to install a fifth wheel hitch on a pick up truck. One would be to use standard bed-mounted rails. Brackets are mounted to the truck frame with the bed rails sitting directly above. Holes are drilled down through the truck bed to…

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Answer 7

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 9

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 10

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 11

Hey Doug! The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs #F35FV are the right kit for your 2026 Ford F-350 FX4 dually. However, you will need to measure to be sure it fits. The distance from the top of your rear axle to the top of the jounce bump stop…

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Answer 12

We have lift kits for trailer that easily add 2 inches to the height of the trailer. For that you'd want the part #RR23QX and you'd be set. I attached a picture that shows how it installs to give you an idea. This would be the easiest…

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Fifth Wheel Hitch Weight Compared to Truck Payload Capacity for Safely Towing with 2019 Ram 1500

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