How to Tow Gooseneck Trailer Using Fifth Wheel Rails in Bed of 1996 Dodge Ram 3500

Question:

Have 96 dodge ram 3500 w/Reese 16000 lb hitch for towing 35 Jayco 5th wheel. Looking at purchase of 32foot goose neck trailer for transpoting antique tractors. Max load of tractors could be 20000 lbs. plus trailer weight. I know hitch must be upgraded, but will I need to upgrade hitch rails also?

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

A gooseneck trailer would tow using a 2-5/16 trailer ball mounted in the truck bed, not a king pin like a fifth wheel trailer. To tow the gooseneck trailer you mentioned, all you'll need to do is remove your current Reese 16K fifth wheel hitch and pin an adapter like the Curt Gooseneck Plate, part # 16055. The Spyder has a capacity of 25,000 lbs, which would also be the rated capacity of the bed rails and frame brackets, assuming they're manufactured by Reese.

Keep in mind that your actual capacity will be limited by the capacity of the lowest rated component. The hitch rails and gooseneck plate might be rated for 25K, but if the truck itself has a lower towing capacity, you'll be limited to the capacity of the truck.

expert reply by: Mike L