Recommended Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch for 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup Towing a 7300 lbs. Trailer
Question:
I have a 2004 Dodge Ram with a 5.7. Thinking of buying a 5th wheel camper. Its 31foot and the tag says it weighs 7300 lbs. I am wondering first if this will pull the camper and not mess my axle/transmission up. I have a 6foot bed. Any/all information would be appreciated. Thanks
asked by: Mark
Helpful Expert Reply:
With a 6 foot bed on your 2004 Dodge Ram you are definitely going to want to go with a sliding hitch. The Reese Titan # C16521 is a slider with 12 inches of travel. The sliding hitch will help with clearance when going around sharp turns. This hitch is rated for 16,000 lbs. which is plenty for the trailer you're looking at. The Custom Install Kit # RP50040-58 is what you'll need to install the hitch. This kit doesn't require any drilling and is much faster to use than the universal kits.
You need to determine the amount of weight your truck can pull, regardless of the size fifth wheel hitch you use. The lower rating is what will define the maximum amount you can tow. To find what your truck is rated at you will want to check the vehicle's certification label, generally located inside the driver's side door, for the gross combined weight rating (GCWR). This is the combined weight of the loaded truck and loaded trailer that the entire setup can weigh. If it is not located on the vehicle then you can contact Dodge with your VIN and they can provide it.
After you have your GCWR you should load up your Dodge as it will be loaded when you are on a trip and towing the fifth wheel trailer. With the truck loaded, have it weighed at a scale. This will give you your gross vehicle weight (GVW). Subtract the GVW from the GCWR and it will tell you how much weight your Ram can tow.
If your truck is equipped with the factory 7-Way trailer connector you will need the Hopkins Endurance Quick-Install # HM42190 for a wiring harness.
I've attached our help article on fifth wheel information for you as well.
You're also going to need a brake controller. The Tekonsha P2 # 90885 is one of best selling because of how easy it is to install and to use.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Hopkins Endurance Quick-Install 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Hopkins Tail Light Converter with 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- 6 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17-1/2 - 21-1/2 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
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