Recommended Fifth Wheel And Gooseneck Hitches For 2012 Ram 1500 With Short Bed
Question:
If your 2012 Ram 1500 did not come with the factory tow package included, you will have to do some drilling in the frame when installing a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. Unless it is either stated in the manual or if a dealership would recommend against towing a fifth wheel trailer, I am not aware of there being an issue with fifth wheel towing. If you decide you would like a fifth wheel, you are right that a Sidewinder will be needed with your truck with the short bed. We would need to know what the make and model pin box is on your trailer to find the correct Sidewinder replacement. You would also need a fixed fifth wheel hitch installed in your truck bed. I recommend a fifth wheel like part # RP30928. This is a 20,000 lb fixed fifth wheel hitch and features a single jaw that is always ready to receive so you don't have to open the hitch before hooking up . The rails for a fifth wheel hitch for your Ram are part # RP30035-386. These are standard above bed rails. For a clean look in the bed of your truck I recommend the B and W Gooseneck, part # BWGNRK1309. This installs beneath the bed of your truck and when not towing gives you the complete use of your truck bed. I then recommend the B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter, part # BWRVK3500. This attaches to the gooseneck in the bed of your truck and allows you to be able to tow your fifth wheel trailer.
asked by: Ryan M
Expert Reply:
If your 2012 Ram 1500 did not come with the factory tow package included, you will have to do some drilling in the frame when installing a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. Unless it is either stated in the manual or if a dealership would recommend against towing a fifth wheel trailer, I am not aware of there being an issue with fifth wheel towing.
If you decide you would like a fifth wheel, you are right that a Sidewinder will be needed with your truck with the short bed. We would need to know what the make and model pin box is on your trailer to find the correct Sidewinder replacement.
You would also need a fixed fifth wheel hitch installed in your truck bed. I recommend a fifth wheel like part # RP30928. This is a 20,000 lb fixed fifth wheel hitch and features a single jaw that is always ready to receive so you don't have to open the hitch before hooking up
.
The rails for a fifth wheel hitch for your Ram are part # RP30035-386. These are standard above bed rails.
For a clean look in the bed of your truck I recommend the B and W Gooseneck, part # BWGNRK1309. This installs beneath the bed of your truck and when not towing gives you the complete use of your truck bed.
I then recommend the B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter, part # BWRVK3500. This attaches to the gooseneck in the bed of your truck and allows you to be able to tow your fifth wheel trailer.
Products Referenced in This Question
B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Gooseneck Hitch
- Below the Bed
- Manual Ball Removal
- 7500 lbs TW
- 30000 lbs GTW
- Removable Ball - Stores in Hitch
- In Bed Release
- 2-5/16 Hitch Ball
- B and W
more information >
B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters
- Adapts Truck
- Gooseneck Hitch to Fifth Wheel Trailer
- No Offset
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Connects to Gooseneck Hole
- Fixed Height
- Hitch Adapters
- B and W
more information >
Reese Semi-Custom Base Rail and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Dodge Ram 1500
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Semi-Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 14 - 18 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
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Ryan M.
3/17/2015
If your 2012 Ram 1500 did not come with the factory tow package included, you will have to do some drilling in the frame when installing a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. Unless it is either stated in the manual or if a dealership would recommend against towing a fifth wheel trailer, I am not aware of there being an issue with fifth wheel towing. If you decide you would like a fifth wheel, you are right that a Sidewinder will be needed with your truck with the short bed. We would need to know what the make and model pin box is on your trailer to find the correct Sidewinder replacement. You would also need a fixed fifth wheel hitch installed in your truck bed. I recommend a fifth wheel like part # RP30928. This is a 20,000 lb fixed fifth wheel hitch and features a single jaw that is always ready to receive so you don't have to open the hitch before hooking up . The rails for a fifth wheel hitch for your Ram are part # RP30035-386. These are standard above bed rails. For a clean look in the bed of your truck I recommend the B and W Gooseneck, part # BWGNRK1309. This installs beneath the bed of your truck and when not towing gives you the complete use of your truck bed. I then recommend the B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter, part # BWRVK3500. This attaches to the gooseneck in the bed of your truck and allows you to be able to tow your fifth wheel trailer.