Can a 5th Wheel Hitch be Installed on a 2013 Ram Longhorn 4x4 with Air Suspension Package  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

Sine your 2013 Ram has the air suspension package you will not be able to install a 5th wheel trailer hitch. The option left is a gooseneck hitch, # C607-658. Ultimately, a gooseneck hitch is going to cost less so that is a positive aspect.

If you still wanted to go with a 5th wheel hitch then what you could do is go with the gooseneck hitch above and then use the Curt X-5 adapter, # C16210, which was designed to fit the Curt Double-Lock, Flip, and Store hitches. Using the X-5 adapter you could add a 5th wheel hitch.

Since you have a short bed truck you would need a slider 5th wheel hitch. Sliders are designed to slide back with the trailer coupled giving you extra clearance between the truck cab and trailer overhang to make tight turns. You don't normally see this issue on gooseneck trailers that have a V-Nose.

Since the bed is so short you would want a slider hitch with the most travel. The most amount of travel for a slider is 12 inches. A 16K capacity like the Curt Q16, # C16521, is an excellent option. It has a 360 floating cushioned head for improved ride quality and ease of hook-up.

Given that the truck bed is so short, you have to be careful with the width of the trailer you choose. If the trailer is too wide then even the 12 inches of the slider will not be enough for you to make 90 degree turns, which you will have to do at some point.

That is why if you can find a V-nose gooseneck toy hauler, it would be the best option. That way you can stick with just the gooseneck hitch and not have to worry about clearance. And in the event that you needed or wanted a few more inches of clearance, you could always add offset ball # C602 and get 4 more inches. I have included some helpful links for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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