2012 RAM 3500 Short Bed Fifth Wheel Hitch and Rail Kit Recommendation

Question:

We have a gooseneck hitch on our truck the truck bed is 6ft will the 71/2 inch adapter fit our truck? Or does it need to be the 9inch rv2?

asked by: Stan

Expert Reply:

The 7-1/2 inches of offset that the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset # CAB-C5GX1216 provides pivots with the trailer while turning so it doesn't really give you additional clearance for making turns. The offset is only there when the trailer is going in a straight line.

If your trailer has a narrow nose to it you might be able to make tight turns without cab interference, but if not then you probably would need to go with a slider fifth wheel hitch in the bed of your 2012 Ram 3500 to tow your trailer.

Here's the formula to determine clearance:

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from the gooseneck ball to the truck cab
B = Offset used, like if you used a Offset Extension Ball # 19308
C = Width of the nose of the trailer divided by 2.

For a slider hitch the part # RP30083 would be a great choice and then for a custom rail kit the part # RP50140-58.