Recommended Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch For A 2018 Ram 3500 Towing Multiple 5th Wheel Trailers

Published 01/03/2023

Products Featured in This Question

Demco 5th Wheel Rail Adapter for Ram OEM 5th Wheel Towing Prep Package - 25,000 lbs

(179)

$689.00

Demco Autoslide Capture Plates for Trailair Rota-Flex and Lippert Road Armor Pin Boxes

(144)

$52.66

Demco Autoslide Locking Plate for Lippert Rhino Pin Boxes

(711)

$114.23

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 21,000 lbs

(711)

$2173.00

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

(2)

$638.95

Question:

Just wanted to let you know that my truck has the factory air bag and puck system. What does that do to your recommendations?

asked by: Jeffrey R

Expert Reply:

Since you have a short bed 2018 Ram 3500 you will most certainly need a sliding fifth wheel hitch to prevent the nose of the campers from taking out the cab of your Ram when you have to make a sharp turn.

Since you'll be doing this a lot you'll want to spend the extra money and get the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider # DM8550035. This hitch has an autoslide feature which will allow the head to automatically slide back as you turn so that you don't have to constantly get out of the truck to place the hitch in the travel position, like every other hitch would require.

To install this in the bed of your Ram you'll need the Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails # DM8552026-71. I do want to note that this rail kit is not compatible with factory air suspension, so if this is something you have please let me know and we can look at alternatives.

Depending on the pin box on the camper you may also need to swap out the capture plates on the hitch head with a different capture plate:

Lippert Rhino Box # DM76FR
Trailair Rota-Flex # DM6171

Overall this hitch is going to give you the easiest towing experience so if you plan on doing a lot of towing this is the way to go.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Jeff

1/3/2023

Just wanted to let you know that my truck has the factory air bag and puck system. What does that do to your recommendations?

Kevin C.

1/3/2023

Since you have a puck system in your bed it will actually make things quite a bit easier. Instead of installing the base rails, which you wouldn't be able to use with the factory air suspension, you can simply drop in the Demco 5th Wheel Rail Adapter # DM6099 instead. No hard install, just unlock the feet using the levers, drop the adapter into the pucks, and close the levers for the feet to lock the adapter in place.