Does Demco Hijacker Fifth Wheel Hitch Require Tailgate to be Removed on 2018 Ram 2500

Updated 04/23/2019 | Published 04/22/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(735)

$1795.00

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

(23)

$424.62

Stromberg Carlson 4000 Series 5th Wheel Louvered Tailgate with Lock for Dodge Trucks

(908)

$460.55

Question:

Is it normal to use this slider hitch with the tailgate on or off in a Ram 2500 shortbed? I would think off so when it slides backwards it would not hit the tailgate, but is there enough clearance that removal is not needed? Wondering what the normal practice is, if any. Thanks!

asked by: Mike

Expert Reply:

You can leave the tailgate on your 2018 Ram 2500 and still use the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider # DM8550034; it will not hit the tailgate.

A lot of times you may see trucks with the tailgate off or down when using a fifth wheel hitch because the gate does need to be lowered in order to couple or uncouple and it is oftentimes easier just to leave it off or down than to keep raising or lowering it.

Another option that is increasing in popularity is a 5th wheel tailgate, and for your 2018 Ram 2500 the Stromberg Carlson 4000 Series 5th Wheel Louvered Tailgate # VGD-10-4000 is what you'd want. This will replace your factory tailgate and allow you to use a fifth wheel hitch like the Hijacker without the constant raising and lowering you would otherwise have to do.

The Hijacker will mount in the bed of your 2018 Ram 2500 with the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit # DM8552025-71, which are strongly recommended because they do not require any drilling into your truck bed to install, which is both good for your truck and makes the installation process simpler.

I have added links to video reviews of each of these parts for you to check out.