Can The Demco Recon 5th Wheel Hitch Work In A 2016 Ram 3500 Short Bed

Updated 04/16/2024 | Published 04/15/2024

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs

(100)

$885.00

B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs

(4448)

$599.00

B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(15)

$260.00

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

(716)

$899.00

B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5033)

$1599.00

Question:

Can this hitch work on a 2016 Ram 3500 mega cab short bed?

asked by: Troy

Expert Reply:

Hi Troy,

While the Demco Recon 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550045-5W will technically fit/mount in the bed of your 2016 Ram 3500, I don't recommend it. Having a short bed means the pivot point for the trailer it closer to the cab which means you could accidentally hit the cab with the nose of the trailer when making a tight turn.

Instead you'd really want a sliding 5th wheel hitch like the B&W Patriot # BWRVK3270. This hitch requires base rails # BWRVK2605 in order to mount so you'd have mounting rails that sat in the bed permanently. If you'd prefer a clear bed when you're not towing then I recommend installing the B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch # BWGNRK1314 and using their Companion with a sliding base # BWRVK3400-5W. Both of these have 12" of travel to scoot the pivot point back and giving you more turning clearance.