Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2015 Ram 3500 with Bed Rail Clearance Considered

Question:

I need a recommendation on a 5th wheel hitch for a 2015 Dodge Ram 3500 4x4 with the factory 5th wheel prep group pulling a 2014 Primetime Crusader 315 RST. Hitch weight 1953 lbs. UVM 9926 lbs. CCC 2427 lbs. I am concerned about the bed to trailer clearance as I have never pulled this trailer with a 4x4. I am presently pulling it with a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 and it rides level. The 4x4 truck is at stock height. Thank you very much.

asked by: Jessie B

Expert Reply:

Since you have along bed 2015 Ram 3500 clearance from the trailer to the cab of the truck should be good enough to allow you to make tight turns. Unless the nose of your trailer is extremely wide and you have a non-extended pin box on your trailer I can't see you having any clearance issues there.

In terms of bed to trailer overhang clearance you would want to have around 6 inches there with the trailer being towed level for an optimum setup.

With the trailer level measure from the king pin to the ground, next measure from the bed of your truck to the ground. The difference is the height hitch you would need to tow the trailer level.

For a shorter hitch the Curt # C16545-16021 has a range of 13-17 inches.

Measuring from the king pin to the trailer overhang vertically and then comparing that to what hitch height would allow your trailer to tow level would be how you could determine what your overhang clearance would be.

The Companion hitch part # BWRVK3600 would be an excellent choice that has a height range of 17-19 inches and fits the hitch prep of your truck.

expert reply by: Jameson C