5th Wheel Recommendations for 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab with 5-1/2-Foot Bed

Expert Reply:

We do have an option for you, but it will not be the installation kit # RP30035-023 as it will not fit the 5-1/2-foot bed of your 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. After speaking with representatives of Reese who are currently visiting us here at etrailer, I recommend the Reese Semi-Custom Base Rail Installation Kit # RP30035-386 as it features a mounting kit made specifically for your truck.

The kit includes base rails, universal brackets, semi-custom brackets, and hardware. I have provided links to the installation instructions of this product as well.

Also, with your bed being as short as it is, I cannot recommend a slider as it may cause body damage to your truck as the tailgate will get in the way and the slider would not be able to move far enough back to make tight turns. The fifth wheel I recommend is the Reese Dual Jaw 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30047. It has a GTW of 16,000 lbs and a vertical load limit of 4000 lbs.

Without the use of a slider for sharp turns, I recommend the Reese Sidewinder Replacement Pin Box which will provide the ability to make sharp turns without the truck and trailer making contact. If you want to make sharp turns using a trailer, this is your only option. To find the appropriate Sidewinder for your truck, you will want to go to the FAQ page I have linked to and find the pin box manufacturer and the model number on the list at the bottom of the page. This information should be located on the trailer pin box.

Once you have done this, you will need to make some measurements to ensure this system will work properly on your 2009 Dodge Ram 1500. The center of the king pin will be in your cargo bed approximately 1-1/2 inch forward of the rear axles center. You will then measure from that point forward to the back of the cab. You will then add 22 inches for the Sidewinder.

Then you will need to measure the width of the 5th wheel trailer overhang and divide by 2 to get half. The king pin to the cab plus 22 inch measurement has to be 4 inches or more than half the width of the trailer overhang to safely make 90-degree turns with the trailer attached to your truck.