Fifth Wheel And Gooseneck Hitch Recommendations for 2013 Dodge Ram 2500

Question:

I have a 2013 Ram 2500 HD with a 6 foot box. In the front of the box i have a Fuel/toolbox combo. RDS Fuel Tank Toolbox Combo — 60-Gallon Capacity, Model# 72744 to be exact. I also purchased airbags to put on my truck http://www.etrailer.com/Vehicle-Suspension/Ram/2500/2013/AL57295.html?vehicleid=20131113040. I use my truck commercially at times to pull other peoples campers, boats and other trailers, I also want to pull off the 5th wheel recievers and put on a goose neck plate at times, if that is possible. So my question is what 5th wheel setup would work best for me to be able to have universal abilities and still fit and work with my truck?

asked by: Troy O

Expert Reply:

According to my contact at Air Lift, their # AL57295 air spring system utilizes brackets that mount to the underside of the frame member that won't interfere with the fifth wheel hitch install brackets.
As long as the toolbox doesn't extend above the bed side rails of the truck, you should have no fit worries.

A B&W Companion set up, consisting of the # BWGNRK1313-5W under bed rail kit and the # BWRVK3400-5W sliding fifth wheel hitch would be a great choice that would allow you lots of flexibility. This set-up would allow you to tow both gooseneck and fifth wheel trailers. This set up would provide a capacity up to 18K.

If you needed a 20K capacity, you'd need to go another route using and above bed rail kit like # RP56011-53 and a sliding hitch like the Curt A20 # C16541.

If the 20K capacity is sufficient, I'd go with the B&W option, as it will leave your bed 100 percent usable when the hitch is removed, while if you use the above bed rail option, you'll always have the rails sitting in your truck bed.

If you don't already have a 7-way trailer connector installed in your truck bed, you could add one using # 41157.