Is Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch Needed for Short Bed 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab

Question:

Hi there, We have recently purchased a 1998 Nash 24 foot fifth wheel which came with a Reese Elite RE 25 hitch. We dont have a truck yet but a friend is selling their 2008 Dodge 1500 Lariat Quad cab truck with a 6ft box. We are thinking of buying it but we are unsure that the box on the truck is too small and will the hitch that we have will work with this truck? Thanks for looking

asked by: Ryan A

Expert Reply:

When towing with a short bed truck like your 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab, you will need either a sliding 5th wheel hitch or the use of a rotating pin box because otherwise if you make too sharp a turn the trailer will make contact with the cab and can cause a lot of damage.

Since rotating pin boxes like Sidewinders are going to be much more expensive, you are better off going with a sliding hitch than the fixed Reese hitch you have. You can offset the cost by selling the Elite hitch and get the most economical sliding 5th wheel hitch. What I recommend for a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab is the following:

- Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with R16 Roller # 16516

- Curt Semi-Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Dodge Ram 1500 # C16303-200

This will give you a way to safely tow your 5th wheel trailer without possibly damaging the truck. The only other thing you may need is a 5th wheel wiring harness, and the correct one for a 2008 Dodge Ram 1500 with a factory 7-way is the Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness # HM42137.

I have added some links below to video reviews for you to take a look at as well.