Recommended 5th Wheel Rails and Hitch for a 2006 Dodge Ram Mega Cab Short Bed

Updated 01/23/2024 | Published 01/22/2024

Products Featured in This Question

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

(6)

$578.67

B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(716)

$699.00

B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs

(716)

$899.00

Question:

Im looking at the bandw patriot 16k hitch for my 2006 ram mega cab diesel with a short bed. Can you tell me if there is a rail kit to match this so I can make this removable from my truck bed? Thank you

asked by: Andrew R

Expert Reply:

To get the B&W Patriot # BWRVK3200 to work with your 2006 Dodge Ram you're going to need a set of 5th wheel rails # DM8552016-71.

These rails are custom fit to your vehicle so they'll just bolt right up to the frame. It is worth mentioning that since you have a short bed, I'd actually recommend going with a sliding hitch # BWRVK3270.

The reason being is, when short bed trucks use fixed hitches to make tight turns, there's going to be significantly less room for the trailer and truck cab, and you'll ultimately run into clearance issues.

You can use a fixed hitch if you have a rotating pin box, but if you don't I'd just use a sliding hitch which will also alleviate the clearance issues.

expert reply by: Bryce D