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

Published 04/11/2019

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(32)

$260.00

Mighty Cord 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 7' Long

(114)

$81.89

B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs

(767)

$899.00

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

(740)

$1795.00

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

(740)

$2145.00

Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches

(7)

$431.09

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

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

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.