Recommended Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch for 2004 Dodge Ram Pickup Towing a 7300 lbs. Trailer  

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With a 6 foot bed on your 2004 Dodge Ram you are definitely going to want to go with a sliding hitch. The Reese Titan # C16521 is a slider with 12 inches of travel. The sliding hitch will help with clearance when going around sharp turns. This hitch is rated for 16,000 lbs. which is plenty for the trailer you're looking at. The Custom Install Kit # RP50040-58 is what you'll need to install the hitch. This kit doesn't require any drilling and is much faster to use than the universal kits.

You need to determine the amount of weight your truck can pull, regardless of the size fifth wheel hitch you use. The lower rating is what will define the maximum amount you can tow. To find what your truck is rated at you will want to check the vehicle's certification label, generally located inside the driver's side door, for the gross combined weight rating (GCWR). This is the combined weight of the loaded truck and loaded trailer that the entire setup can weigh. If it is not located on the vehicle then you can contact Dodge with your VIN and they can provide it.

After you have your GCWR you should load up your Dodge as it will be loaded when you are on a trip and towing the fifth wheel trailer. With the truck loaded, have it weighed at a scale. This will give you your gross vehicle weight (GVW). Subtract the GVW from the GCWR and it will tell you how much weight your Ram can tow.

If your truck is equipped with the factory 7-Way trailer connector you will need the Hopkins Endurance Quick-Install # HM42190 for a wiring harness.

I've attached our help article on fifth wheel information for you as well.

You're also going to need a brake controller. The Tekonsha P2 # 90885 is one of best selling because of how easy it is to install and to use.

expert reply by: Charles S

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