Removable 5th wheel hitch?

[Sande]

We have a 3500 RAM drw shortbed which we currently use with our artic fox 811 camper.
We are thinking about getting a 5th wheel and also keeping the camper for some trips.
Is there a sliding 5th wheel hitch that can easily be taken off the truck in order to slide in the camper?

[Dtank]

cummins2014 wrote:

Sande wrote:
We have a 3500 RAM drw shortbed which we currently use with our artic fox 811 camper.
We are thinking about getting a 5th wheel and also keeping the camper for some trips.
Is there a sliding 5th wheel hitch that can easily be taken off the truck in order to slide in the camper?

A sliding hitch , no not a *chance* unless you have some sort of hoist , or taking it apart . Turnover ball , and the Andersen hitch . Clean bed when removed . Also easily removed by one person .

Depending on the brand, model and *weight* of the slider, you may need "some sort of hoist".

I have a Pullrite SuperGlide - it's heavy! However I *easily* remove it from the bed of my SB pickup with what I like to call the "one finger" lift.
I use a HF electric hoist. One finger to push the up/down button. Lift it out of the bed, lower unto a furniture dolly, roll it into the garage. Obviously, the reverse to place back in the bed.
In -or out- takes all of 5 minutes.

BTW - The HF hoist has also been invaluable for other tasks as well.

~

[Sande]

Thanks, we will check it and the Anderson hitch out.

[Ranger431]

phillyg wrote:
I'm not aware of any lightweight sliding hitch.

I use a EAZ lift sliding 5th wheel hitch and it works well. Separates into 2 sections to make it easier. I still wouldn’t call it light, it’s about 75 or so pounds, but the 2 price design helps.

[cummins2014]

mwachel wrote:
I'm all about the Andersen hitch. Works wonders in my short bed RAM.

I hear you , same here , Ram short bed , wouldn't tow with anything else . Curious as to what the OP decided . The Andersen is for sure the answer for him, unless he goes with some sort of hoist , or leaves it connected to the king pin ,not something I would do regardless how well it works. I hear some do it , but have never seen one yet hanging off a pin box.

[mwachel]

I'm all about the Andersen hitch. Works wonders in my short bed RAM.

[valhalla360]

cummins2014 wrote:

Sande wrote:
We have a 3500 RAM drw shortbed which we currently use with our artic fox 811 camper.
We are thinking about getting a 5th wheel and also keeping the camper for some trips.
Is there a sliding 5th wheel hitch that can easily be taken off the truck in order to slide in the camper?

A sliding hitch , no not a chance unless you have some sort of hoist , or taking it apart . Turnover ball , and the Andersen hitch . Clean bed when removed . Also easily removed by one person .

Just leave it locked onto the pin on the trailer and release the hitch from the bed...then the trailer will lift it off.

Do make sure to lock the hitch so someone doesn't accidentally release and drop it but otherwise, the hitch & pin box can easily handle the loads.

[Sande]

Miltvill, you are spot on.
We currently tow the proanglers on a trailer behind our 811 artic fox camper. We love the proangler!
I can't talk the hubby into a toy hauler and I'm resisting going to inflatable kayaks.

[JRscooby]

12 foot long kayaks, would only allow 18 inches to be split between ground and bridge. One end or the other will be damaged.
Have seen racks that carry kayaks over cab and hood, might be a better idea.

[miltvill]

12 feet long and 140 pounds each. Sounds like a Hobie Pro Angler kayak for each kayak to weigh that much. A 5th wheel with a garage would work best.

Or a get a TC and tow the kayaks behind it on a trailer.

[Sande]

Wow, lots to think about! We are both almost 70 and not as strong as we used to be.
Maybe a trailer would be better.
Next question - has anyone carried fishing kayaks (12ft long, 140 lbs each) on the back of an RV?

[JRscooby]

Could the pin be left latched in the hitch, and the landing legs used as a jack to lift hitch out?

[phillyg]

I'm not aware of any lightweight sliding hitch.

[guidry]

My BW came off but left the rails. I just used some 2x4”s then a 4’ plywood and put my camper on top. Never had any problems.

[cummins2014]

Sande wrote:
We have a 3500 RAM drw shortbed which we currently use with our artic fox 811 camper.
We are thinking about getting a 5th wheel and also keeping the camper for some trips.
Is there a sliding 5th wheel hitch that can easily be taken off the truck in order to slide in the camper?

A sliding hitch , no not a chance unless you have some sort of hoist , or taking it apart . Turnover ball , and the Andersen hitch . Clean bed when removed . Also easily removed by one person .

[rhagfo]

What year is the Ram 3500?
Post 2013 you can get the parts to install the factory 5er hitch prep.