Recommendation for a 2014 Ram 2500 Short Bed To Navigate Tight Campground Turns

Question

Question:

But what if I want an autoslider? The recommended B&W companion is not an autoslide. How would you recommend to convert from gooseneck to autoslide?

asked by: Sean C

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I can help you navigate those tight turns in your 2014 Ram 2500.

Since the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter # CAB-C5GX1216 that you referenced does not move the pivot point further back you really do not gain much clearance for tight turns with a short bed truck. Also, if you use an offset adapter like this you can not use an additional offset adapter like the B and W extender you referenced. This would cause too much leverage on the trailer.

Instead I would highly recommend the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch instead # BWRVK3400-5W. This 5th Wheel Hitch has a built-in slider provides clearance required for your short-bed pickup to turn safely at slow speeds, it has a travel distance of 12 inches from front to back.

I have linked a video of the Companion for your convenience.

expert reply by: Jackie C

1

Sean

1/12/2016

But what if I want an autoslider? The recommended B&W companion is not an autoslide. How would you recommend to convert from gooseneck to autoslide?

Reply

Jackie C.

1/12/2016

I wish I had better news for you but my contact at Demco told me that they don't recommend using an AutoSlide on any gooseneck ball adapter. He told me it creates to much torque for the one connection spot to handle.

Reply

Answer 1

The Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs #DM8550045 is not a good option for your 2015 Ram short box with Ram Box. The issue with Ram Box is that it limits the ability to use a 5th wheel hitch because the…

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Answer 2

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 3

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 4

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 5

If you take a look at the linked diagram you can see the minimum recommended clearance distances between truck and trailer for 5th wheel towing. It is recommended to have at least 5-inches from the top of the bed rails to the bottom of the trailer…

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Answer 6

The head alone for the B&W Companion hitch #BWRVK3500 weighs about 70 pounds. Everything else weighs about 130 pounds. So the total weight of the hitch is approximately 200 pounds.

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Answer 7

Generally speaking, the lube plate will need to cover the skid plate on the 5th wheel hitch. There are some pin boxes out there that will recommend a specific lube plate but most of the times this classification will be from the 5th wheel hitch…

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Answer 8

The Ram OEM 5th wheel puck system, shown in the linked photo and article, was launched in 2013 so what you have in your truck is likely to be an aftermarket installation of some kind. These newer Ram trucks with the factory prep can directly accept a…

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Answer 9

The stop light switch that you will need to connect the red wire to on the Brake Control Plug-In Harness for Tekonsha part #20127 may be pre ran to a set of wires taped to the underside of the drivers side vehicle dash. If the wires are not present…

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Answer 10

I spoke to my contact at Horizon Global. He said it is acceptable to mount the Bulldog Powered-Drive Kit #BD1824200100 to the slave jack itself. He also said that if you need to switch the motor wires to make it work correctly, that would be fine, as…

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Answer 11

There are a couple of options that'll work great with your Lippert Turning Point Pin Box, however one hitch stands out to me more than others. Take a look at the: -Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs #C16115 This 5th…

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Answer 12

The 18.5x8.5-8 is actually an old tire size that is not used much anymore. The closest metric size to your existing tire would be 215/60-8. Your wheel most likely has a 5-on 4-1/4 inch bolt pattern (see link), you will want to make sure that the bolt…

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