Setting Up Tow Vehicle w/hitch, Etc
Looking at buying a 3500 Ram Mega Cab with short box and wondering if this may be problem towing a fifth wheel trailer. Is a special hitch required so the cab does not hit the trailer? Also about how ...
Forum Discussion
Here's my 2 cents:
Why the mega cab? I have the crew cab and there is more room than my kids and dog need back there. The mega cab gives you the ability to recline the back seat and takes away bed length.
I didn't have the factory installed pucks, so I bought them from the dealer and had a custom welding/hitch shop install them - same guy has done this for me twice. He installed the in bed plug. The good news on that is that you don't have to splice any wires - its plug and play. After drilling the hole for it.
I read all the comments of those who say "I have a short bed and have never had to slide". Or - "If you are aware of your surroundings - blah blah". Well, I bought the B&W companion slider from ETrailer.com. Brought the new fifth wheel home and proceed to back up into the driveway on residential street without sliding. Didn't take long to hear the sound of breaking glass. And you can pay attention all you want, but you just can't see the corner of the trailer through the back pillar - unless you have X-Ray vision. Slid the trailer back and was amazed at how much easier it was backing. Went on the shake down trip with plastic over the back window. Sure, there are situations where I don't have to slide but every camp site I've been to has required it - with the exception of the one pull through site, and backing into my driveway - well, lesson learned.
So if you have a big piece of land and don't ever expect to be in a situation where you are backing at a sharp angle, by all means, get the non sliding hitch with your short bed (even shorter with mega cab) pickup.
The auto sliding hitches I researched required that you back up straight into the hitch - not at an angle. If you get the wheel to wheel side steps, you won't need a step stool or to hop on the tire to release the handle for either the jaws or slider. The B&W is a great hitch - compare to the others. Etrailer will drop ship it for free.
Too be fair, the B&W slider is heavy. I have to remove the tail gate and remove it with an engine puller. They make a gizmo that you lock into the jaws. You can then hook to it and lift the whole hitch at once. But I can do that myself. Unless you have a couple of friends at hand.
Good luck.
Why the mega cab? I have the crew cab and there is more room than my kids and dog need back there. The mega cab gives you the ability to recline the back seat and takes away bed length.
I didn't have the factory installed pucks, so I bought them from the dealer and had a custom welding/hitch shop install them - same guy has done this for me twice. He installed the in bed plug. The good news on that is that you don't have to splice any wires - its plug and play. After drilling the hole for it.
I read all the comments of those who say "I have a short bed and have never had to slide". Or - "If you are aware of your surroundings - blah blah". Well, I bought the B&W companion slider from ETrailer.com. Brought the new fifth wheel home and proceed to back up into the driveway on residential street without sliding. Didn't take long to hear the sound of breaking glass. And you can pay attention all you want, but you just can't see the corner of the trailer through the back pillar - unless you have X-Ray vision. Slid the trailer back and was amazed at how much easier it was backing. Went on the shake down trip with plastic over the back window. Sure, there are situations where I don't have to slide but every camp site I've been to has required it - with the exception of the one pull through site, and backing into my driveway - well, lesson learned.
So if you have a big piece of land and don't ever expect to be in a situation where you are backing at a sharp angle, by all means, get the non sliding hitch with your short bed (even shorter with mega cab) pickup.
The auto sliding hitches I researched required that you back up straight into the hitch - not at an angle. If you get the wheel to wheel side steps, you won't need a step stool or to hop on the tire to release the handle for either the jaws or slider. The B&W is a great hitch - compare to the others. Etrailer will drop ship it for free.
Too be fair, the B&W slider is heavy. I have to remove the tail gate and remove it with an engine puller. They make a gizmo that you lock into the jaws. You can then hook to it and lift the whole hitch at once. But I can do that myself. Unless you have a couple of friends at hand.
Good luck.
