Best Auto-Slide 5th Wheel Hitch For 2005 Ram 3500 With Industry Standard Rails In Bed

Updated 06/26/2026 | Published 06/21/2026

Question:

I have a 2005 Ram3500 with a short bed and am looking for an auto-slidder for my 17k lbs 5th wheel. Rails are already installed for the regular hitch. What are the recommended hitches and will they work with my current rails? Thank you

asked by: Tiffany P

Expert Reply:

Hey Tiffany, thanks for reaching out. Yes, we do have an auto-slide hitch that will work great with your setup. For a 2005 Ram 3500 short bed with industry-standard 5th wheel rails already installed, I recommend the Demco Autoslide 18K # DM8550034.

The nice thing about the Demco is that it automatically slides as you turn, so you don't have to get out and manually activate a slider before backing into a campsite or making a tight turn. It also uses a single-jaw design that provides a very solid connection to the king pin and helps reduce chucking compared to some older hitch designs. Since it includes industry-standard rail adapters, it will drop right into the rails you already have in the bed.

For a 17,000 lb 5th wheel, the 18,000 lb capacity is a good match as long as that 17,000 lb figure is the trailer's loaded weight or GVWR and not just the dry weight. If it is the GVWR, this hitch will give you the automatic cab clearance you need with your short-bed truck without having to constantly think about slider position when maneuvering.

What kind of camper will you be hauling?

expert reply by: Jesse M