Recommended Fifth Wheel Bracket/Bed Rail Install Kit for 2020 Ram 1500 Short Bed Eco Diesel  

Question:

Expert Reply:

For your short bed 2020 Ram 1500 Eco Diesel, I'd recommend the Reese 5th wheel hitch install rail/bracket kit, part # RP56018-53.

Due to the super short bed, the 12 or so inches of travel provided by your Reese sliding 5th wheel hitch won't provide enough clearance between the rear of the cab and the front of the 5th wheel, resulting in the 5th wheel colliding with the rear corners of the cab during turns. You'll need a Reese Sidewinder to relocate the pivot point between the hitch and 5th wheel from the point where the king pin attach in the hitch jaws to a point 22 inches rearward where the king pin attaches to the 5th wheel. You will want to leave your sliding hitch in the forward position at all times, slid forward toward the cab.

The Sidewinder is pin box specific and will replace your current pin box. In order to choose the correct Sidewinder model, you'll need to examine your OEM pin box, looking for a plate or sticker listing its manufacturer and model number. You can then look at the table in the provided help article to find which Sidewinder model replaces which OEM pin box.

Another option would involve replacing your current hitch with a Demco Hijacker Autoslide for short bed trucks, part # DM8550040. You won't need the Sidewinder with this option, but you'll also need the # DM8552032-71 bracket/rail kit. This hitch/bracket kit will be compatible with your truck as long as it doesn't have the factory air suspension.

expert reply by: Mike L

0