One question for those that tow a fifth wheel with a Ram Mega Cab short bed, little bit concerned it does have a six inch shorter bed then my 99 ford short bed, I have a sliding hitch in the ford truck, but never have to use it, not sure what to expect with that shorter bed of the Ram. Test drove all three 1 ton short bed 2014's today, didn't think I would ever be saying this ,but the Ram is the front runner at this point, just concerned about clearance, and if it would be better to get an automatic sliding hitch

I don't have a short bed, but you will love towing with the Ram..

You could get an idea by measuring from the back of cab, to axle center. Even with the shorter bed, you may still have the same distance, due to axle placement/hitch mount placement.Seems like GM SBs always had a little more cab clearance than Ford, not sure on the Ram.I've not needed a slider, with my last two trucks (both SB). The FW front design makes a big difference, most newer ones are rounded. My pin center is back 41"s from the cab right now, with good clearance. I could get as close as 38"s with this FW, and still get by with no slider.I don't know what trailer you have, some older ones were really square on the front. If a slider is needed, I would get a good automatic one, and not worry about it.Hope this helps you out,Jerry

Ram has used the same 6'4" short bed since 2003. I pulled with one for about 9 years, and did need a sliding hitch. Really has as much to do with your trailer king pin as anything else.

Sounds like you need the automatic sliding hitch, but the dealer should be able to tell your for sure with that trailer and a particular truck setup.

A Slide hitch is a good idea, but you might only need it a few times a year. But knowing it is there, give you more confidence when on the road. I have the REESE slide hitch, but use it, the slide feature, rarely, sometimes only once a year.

Ram 3500 | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

transamz9
Explorer
Mar 21, 2014
Bionic Man wrote:
Ram has used the same 6'4" short bed since 2003. I pulled with one for about 9 years, and did need a sliding hitch. Really has as much to do with your trailer king pin as anything else.

They are the same length but the axle position is different. There is 3" difference in the axle center from my 05 to my 13. My '13 has more clearance.;)
Lyrikz
Explorer
Mar 21, 2014
up2nogood wrote:
One question for those that tow a fifth wheel with a Ram Mega Cab short bed, little bit concerned it does have a six inch shorter bed then my 99 ford short bed, I have a sliding hitch in the ford truck, but never have to use it, not sure what to expect with that shorter bed of the Ram. Test drove all three 1 ton short bed 2014's today, didn't think I would ever be saying this ,but the Ram is the front runner at this point, just concerned about clearance, and if it would be better to get an automatic sliding hitch

A lot of trailers have front cabs that are designed for shortbeds.

Get a slider and you will be fine. Here is my giant overweight pig.
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Mar 16, 2014
ib516 wrote:
Picture Frame Adapter prices (Canada):

Dealer full retail = $730 + tax :E
Dealer via salesman I bought truck from = $578 + tax
Dealer via friend who is a technician there = $525 + tax
Lowest Internet price (USA) $313 USD = $345 Cdn + shipping and duty = $600ish
Local RV dealer = $465 + tax. <-- winner

Sheesh!

Yep...it ain't cheap...In around this area, dealer will sell for around $500....I've seen Internet Reese price of 4300...The picture frame adapter weighs in at 75#..it's a tad heavy.

"IF" one has their own hitch and they want to keep it and they have the 5er/GN prep package, then the best route to go, if available is to try to get the picture frame adapter...and purchase at cheapest price you can...
ib516
Explorer II
Mar 16, 2014
Picture Frame Adapter prices (Canada):

Dealer full retail = $730 + tax :E
Dealer via salesman I bought truck from = $578 + tax
Dealer via friend who is a technician there = $525 + tax
Lowest Internet price (USA) $313 USD = $345 Cdn + shipping and duty = $600ish
Local RV dealer = $465 + tax. <-- winner

Sheesh!
cummins2014
Explorer
Mar 16, 2014
NC Hauler wrote:
Hey Greg, my truck is a crew cab long bed(bed is 8' long).

Those of you looking for picture frame adapters. If you can get one from Reese, (if they have them,), they sell for about $300. Mopar can charge as high as $550 for the exact same picture frame adapter.

The Reese Slider should fit right into the picture frame adapter and if your 5er has the indents on the sides of the front cap, you should really be ok.

Let us know how it tows......

With tax here at my dealership they were pretty close to $550. Best price I found was $325.24 at RedTrailers.com. Reese 30154.

I have the indents on my 5er should be okay, no problems with the same setup on my ford short bed . There is always plan B superglide hitch .
NC_Hauler
Explorer
Mar 16, 2014
Hey Greg, my truck is a crew cab long bed(bed is 8' long).

Those of you looking for picture frame adapters. If you can get one from Reese, (if they have them,), they sell for about $300. Mopar can charge as high as $550 for the exact same picture frame adapter.

The Reese Slider should fit right into the picture frame adapter and if your 5er has the indents on the sides of the front cap, you should really be ok.

Let us know how it tows......
cummins2014
Explorer
Mar 16, 2014
ib516 wrote:
Ya, I got the picture frame adapter on order too :B

Where did you order yours from, best price I found was Red trailers.com

Tried a pm to you about it
ib516
Explorer II
Mar 15, 2014
Ya, I got the picture frame adapter on order too :B
cummins2014
Explorer
Mar 14, 2014
ib516 wrote:
I towed a 5er with a Megacab for years. A slider is not required.

That sounds good, I do have the reese manual slider, I am in the process ordering the picture frame adapter to mount to the bed, and the reese just pins to that like the conventional rails, but are removable for a clean bed. IMO it is a pretty slick setup that Ram came up with, different then ford, and chev has nothing .
ib516
Explorer II
Mar 14, 2014
I towed a 5er with a Megacab for years. A slider is not required.

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Ram 3500

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