Recommended 5th Wheel Rails and Hitch for a 2018 Ram 1500 w/ a 5-1/2' Bed

Published 06/05/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Universal Above-Bed Base Rails for Demco Premier Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(15)

$238.75

Demco Premier Series Custom Mounting Brackets for 5th Wheel Above-Bed Base Rails

(2)

$312.77

Question:

I have a 2018 Ram 1500 5 1/2' box. I would like to get a Reese stationary hitch with a sidewinder or if Curt makes something similar. I will also need to install bed rails and don't know which ones to purchase. I am obviously looking at light weight 5th wheels. Please help.

asked by: Ron

Expert Reply:

Hey Ron. To add a set of 5th wheel rails to your 2018 Ram 1500 with the 5-1/2' bed, you'll need the Demco Premier Series Custom Mounting Brackets item # DM8552030 and the Above-Bed Base Rails item # DM6071. This set up is custom fit and will provide you with a set of industry standard rails to mount a 5th wheel hitch to.

For a Reese 5th wheel hitch that fits industry standard rails, I recommend the 16,000 lbs item # RP30047. This 5th wheel hitch has 2-jaw locking system that provides more king pin contact than traditional slide-bar models. It is compatible with rotating turrets.

In order to find you the right sidewinder pin box I will need you to email me a picture of the sticker on the side of your current pin box or have you write down the numbers and put them in the comment box below. There will be an RPO and/or LCI number, a date of manufacturer.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Ron

6/5/2025

Jerred, Thanks for the information! I have just started looking at 5th wheels and when I find the one I will make sure to get the correct sidewinder for the king pin box. Ron