Recommended Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch for 2016 Ram 3500 with 6 Foot Bed and Factory Rail Kit

Question:

2016 Ram 3500 short bed with factory 5th wheel / gooseneck option installed puck Slider hitch required Trailer is a Grand Design 337RLS GVWR- 13,995 lbs. Looking at the Reese RP30083 or the RP30084. Best for my vehicle? First time 5th wheel towing

asked by: Thomas T

Expert Reply:

Both Reese fifth wheel trailer hitches you're looking at for your 2016 Ram 3500, # RP30083 and # RP30084, are very similar in a lot of ways. They're both rated for 25,000 lbs. both have the self-latching jaw and pivoting head. The # RP30083 does have an extra inch of movement which will help with clearance on a short bed truck.

The main difference is the shape of the tubes of the slide. A round tube slider eliminates binding, which allows the hitch to slide smoother than the square tube slider. So my vote would go to the # RP30083.

To install either hitch, you will need the Reese Fifth Wheel Rail Adapter # RP30154 for your Ram. This converts your factory underbed prep package to the standard above bed rails to work with the fifth wheel hitches.

expert reply by: Charles S