Can a 2014 Ram 1500 Crew Cab Short Bed Tow a 2001 Jayco Qwest 237A 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 04/25/2014 | Published 04/24/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs

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Curt Semi-Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Dodge Ram 1500 - Carbide Finish

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Reese Semi-Custom Base Rail and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Dodge Ram 1500

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Question:

Just wondering if I can safely tow a2001 Jayco Qwest 237A with a 2014 Dodge 1500 Crew Cab 5.7 Hemi, short box If so what kind of set-up would I need?

asked by: David F

Expert Reply:

You will be able to tow the Jayco 5th wheel trailer with your 2014 Ram 1500 with the right equipment. First, if the truck has the Rambox feature, has a step side bed, or has the air suspension package, there are currently no installation kits that will fit.

For and installation on a 6 foot bed 2014 Ram you can use Curt custom installation kit # C16306-204. Custom installation kits install in less time and require less drilling compared to universal kits. I have linked the installation instructions for you.

Once installed the center line of the hitch will be 1-1/2 inches forward of the center of the rear truck axle. This is important to determine clearance alter. On a short bed truck you are going to need a slider, such as # C16521. The slider hitch will move the pivot point of the trailer back 12 inches allowing you to make tight turns in camp grounds and other places as needed.

To determine if this is enough clearance you will find the point 1-1/2 inches forward of the center of the rear axle. Measure from that point forward to the back of the truck cab. Then add 12 inches for the travel of the slider.

Whatever you come up with has to be at least 4 inches more than half the width of the trailer. The Jayco trailer is 96 inches wide, half of that is 48 inches, so the measurement you need is 52 inches. If you end up under 15 inches then a slider will not offer enough clearance.

What you would do in this case is use a fixed hitch, not a slider, and a Sidewinder replacement pin box on the trailer. The Sidewinder is going to move the pivot point of the trailer back 22 inches. You will need to know the pin box manufacturer and model number to determine if there is a Sidewinder that will fit.

If your truck has the 5-1/2 foot bed then you will need a different installation kit, # RP30035-386, and you will have to use a fixed hitch and a Sidewinder. There is no other way to get enough clearance if the truck has a bed shorter than 6 feet long.