Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch, Base Rails, & Air Bags For 2017 Ram 2500 Short Bed
Question:
I have a 2017 Ram 2500 diesel crew cab short bed. I need your recommendation on a airbag system, and 5th wheel setup. It is not prepped for a 5th wheel from the factory.
asked by: David B
Expert Reply:
We can get your 2017 Ram 2500 short bed set up to tow a 5th wheel trailer and get it the correct air bags. First, let's go with the hitch and base rails that are the best option, which are from B&W:
- B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Slider # BWRVK3270
- B&W Custom Installation Kit with Base Rails # BWRVK2602
The reason I like the Patriot # BWRVK3270 so much is because of the value the hitch offers; it combines the high quality B&W is known for at a price point that is better than similar hitches. The 18,000 lb capacity Patriot has a brawny steel construction and, importantly, large 3/4" thick jaws.
The heftiness of the jaws ensure they remain totally stable with full contact around the king pin at all times. What that does is ensure the there will be much less movement in the hitch than other hitches that have lesser, weaker jaw systems. The Patriot also has cushioned bushings to minimize the noise that can occur when towing a 5th wheel trailer, and this adds up to give you a more comfortable towing experience at the best possible value.
The base rails also do not require any drilling into your Ram's frame, which is great for the truck and saves you a ton of time. The only other thing you will need is a 5th wheel wiring harness, the Hopkins Endurance # 41157.
For the air bags, you'll need ones that are compatible with a 5th wheel set up, which are the Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs # AL57289.
These will give your Ram's suspension all the support it needs as you are towing your 5th wheel, and the only other thing I recommend considering is a compressor which makes it super simple to maintain the correct pressure in your air bags, the Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System # AL58WQ.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 10 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Vehicle Suspension
- Rear Axle Suspension Enhancement
- Air Springs
- Heavy Duty
- Air Lift
more information >
B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- B and W
more information >
B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- B and W
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System for Air Helper Springs - Bluetooth - EZ Mount
- Air Suspension Compressor Kit
- Wireless Control
- Dual Path
- Smartphone Display
- 100 psi
- Air Lift
more information >
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