Recommended Install Kit for Valley 5th Wheel Hitch on 1998 Dodge Ram 2500

Question:

I have a 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 8foot bed, Ext cab 5.9l Eng. need a base rail kit for a Valley 7054 5th wheel slide hitch 16K Hitch.

asked by: Charles

Helpful Expert Reply:

Although Valley is not around any longer, we used to carry their products so I can say with confidence that their fifth wheel hitches were compatible with industry standard bed rails constructed by Reese, Curt Husky and others.

Reese offers a Universal fifth wheel hitch install kit, part # RP30035 that uses industry standard fifth wheel bed rails that would be compatible with your Valley sliding hitch. This is a similar kit to the Curt # C16200.

Since your truck bed is 8 feet long, you will not need the sliding feature and I'd encourage you to leave your hitch slid fully forward at all times. Sliding the hitch rearward can place the pin weight of the trailer behind the back truck axle. This would lighten the down force on the front axle which would have negative effects on steering and braking response.

If you don't already have a 7-way installed in your truck bed, you can install one using part # C56001.

I've linked you to the installation instructions for the install kit. The instructions that pertain to your truck are on sheet # 18 of the .pdf. I've also linked you to an install video showing the kit being used on a 2002 Ram.

expert reply by: Mike L