Which Installation Kit Is Needed For A 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 Short Bed Using A Reese 16K Fifth Wheel

Question:

tow questions. I have a reese 16K fifth wheel in my truck. The king pin is 2 in front of the rear axle center line. Is this acceptable? The camper pulls good, with no problems. With the under bed mounting brackets I have this is the only position the 5th wheel could be mounted. My question is, did I get the correct under bed mounting brackets? 2007 dodge short bed 3/4 ton

asked by: Phil T

Expert Reply:

The Reese Fifth Wheel Installation Kit, # RP50082, that you have referenced is designed for 1999 to 2011 Ford F-250, F-350, F-450 Super Duty, (gas models only for 2011). It is not made to fit on your 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 Short Bed. So you do not have the correct mounting brackets on your vehicle.

As far as the location of the king pin being 2 inches in front of the rear axle, that is an acceptable location because you are still in front of the rear axle, which is important. That is why your camper is not having any problems when towing.

I can not recommend using the different brackets on your vehicle, because it could alter the towing capacity that your vehicle is rated for since the brackets are designed for a different vehicle application.

The correct installation kit for your 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 Short Bed is the Reese Fifth Wheel Installation Kit, # RP50140, which is the custom brackets that will mount beneath your bed. These brackets will work with the Reese Universal Base Rails, # RP58058, that are mounted in the truck bed.

Using the correct installation kit for your 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 Short Bed will put the king pin centered over the rear axle.

We also have the Reese Installation Kit and Base Rails, # RP50140-58, which is the install kit and the base rails together.

I would also recommend when towing with a 6 foot bed to use a slider unit with your 16K hitch like the Reese Fifth Wheel Slider, # RP30048 or # RP50024 to provide enough clearance between the truck cab and the trailer on tight turns.

I am sending links to the installation instructions on the correct install kit and a page of fifth wheel information.