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

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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

0

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

0

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.

Answer 1

I spoke to Demco about the Demco Autoslide Locking Plate for Lippert Rhino Pin Boxes part #DM76FR, the side plates are supposed to be angled as that's what provides the clamping force. I would just make sure you have the bolts torqued fully to…

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Answer 2

Demco recommends using a 3/16" or thinner Lube Plate #16721 with their Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #DM8550035. With the addition of the Demco Autoslide Locking Plate for Lippert Rhino Pin Boxes #DM76FR you have I recommend using a dry lube…

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Answer 3

The Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #DM8550034 can not be locked out to only pivot at the head of the hitch so you would still have it sliding back while making turns. That being said, this hitch is a top tier option when it comes to fifth…

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Answer 4

Hi Jake; the PullRite SuperGlide 5th Wheel Hitch #PUL83RR is what you need for your 2025 Chevy Silverado 2500. This will drop right into the pucks from your OEM prep package. You will also need a capture plate like the #PUL46RR. The right one depends…

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Answer 5

Hello Randall. I had the folks at Lippert run the serial number of your pin box. Your pin box uses the 1621 bolt pattern which is quite common. If you are looking for a shock absorbing pin box replacement, you can use the Curt Air Ride 5th Wheel Pin…

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Answer 6

Hey Larry, congrats on the new truck! Auto-sliding hitches really do increase the quality of towing experience, so I definitely get why you're wanting to upgrade. I recommend picking up the PullRite SuperGlide #PUL28RR for a few reasons; it uses…

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Answer 7

The Curt S25 Slider for A25 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches #C43DR would be compatible with the head of your M30 hitch and provide 12" of travel for additional turning clearance. The downside is that you'll be lowering your overall towing capacity…

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Answer 8

I do see your Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #DM8550035 is missing the Capture Plate #DM14743-95 and other components on the Head #DM6081. And as you have a Rhino pin box you need the Locking Plate #DM76FR as well to prevent the Demco from…

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Answer 9

Yes, you are going to also need the Demco Autoslide Capture Plates for Trailair Rota-Flex Pin Boxes #DM6171 when using the Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider #DM8550040 with your Road Armor pin box. For a suspension enhancement I…

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Answer 10

What I think you are asking is, how to set-up the hitch with the Rhino Box as the narrow width of the pin box does not engage the capture plates on your Demco Hijacker 5th Wheel hitch. What you are missing is the Demco Hijacker Autoslide Locking…

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Answer 11

Yes, it will. The Pull-Rite Super Glide 5th Wheel Hitch mounts on industry standard rails which is exactly what the Adapter Rails for Curt 5th Wheel Hitch item #C88KR provide. This adapter will drop right down into the puck system of the Ford OEM…

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Answer 12

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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

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