How to Decide on Best 5th Wheel Hitch

Question:

New to rving. Plan on getting 2015 diesel dually Ram. Will buy a used 4 seasons ? 5th wheel. Plan on going to Alaska and spend time in Canadian Rockies. Need to know what I dont know and do not even know the right questions. What is the right hitch? How is it adjusted? Can one person 69 years old do the adjusting? Most common mistake made by newbies is what?

asked by: Ron E

Expert Reply:

5th wheel towing will be easier in a long bed truck such as a 2015 Ram diesel 3500 with 8-foot bed.
With a long bed you do not need a slider hitch or a Sidewinder replacement pin box in order to make tight turns. The linked article will explain further about Sidewinders and sliders for use in short-bed trucks. I advise you to avoid this extra complexity and cost by selecting a long-bed truck for towing your 5th wheel.

First, you'll need an install kit for the hitch that fits your particular truck. If you get a Ram with the factory rail kit then you can directly install a hitch such as the superb B&W Companion for the OEM prep package, part # BWRVK3600. This hitch drops right in to the pucks in your bed and can be easily removed when you need the bed clear for cargo. The linked video illustrates installation. This 25K-rated hitch features a fully articulating head for easier hitching on uneven ground and it's 1-inch-thick dual jaws mean excellent grip on the trailer's king pin. B&W manufactures in the USA and backs their hitch with a limited lifetime warranty.

You'll also need a wiring harness like # C56000 to provide a 7-way socket in the truck bed.

As you consider your choices of truck and trailer be sure that the vehicle has the towing capacity required for the GTW (gross trailer weight) of your 5th wheel and that the hitch itself also is rated high enough.

expert reply by: Adam R