5th Wheel Hitch for 2013 Ram 3500 Dually That Allows a Clear Truck Bed When Not Towing

Question:

I have a 2013 ram 3500 dually . I want to put the Reese 30,000lbfifth wheel on my truck but I want to keep my bed . I dont want to run cabandchassis. Can you offer me an install tip or info to do this type of install?

asked by: Rodney

Expert Reply:

The highest-rated 5th wheel hitch fit for your 2013 Ram 3500 dually long bed that will use below-bed installation rails (that let you keep your bed clear when you need to haul cargo) is the 21K Demco hitch # DM8550032 that installs in below-bed rail kit # DM8551006. If you have a 6-foot bed then the highest-rated compatible slider hitch is the 21K Demco Hijacker Autoslide # DM8550037 that mounts in the same below-bed rail kit. For an in-bed wiring harness you can use # DM8555002.

If you are willing to install industry-standard above-bed base rails then you can move up to 26K-rated Husky hitch # HT31318-31325 and custom install kit # RP56010-53 if you have the 8-fioot bed. If instead you have the 6-foot bed you can use the same base rail installation kit but instead install the 26K slider 5th wheel hitch # HT31318-32042.

For a 30K 5th wheel you will need to use the Reese Low-Profile 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30054 which does require welding and moderate fabrication to ensure that the hitch is connected either directly to your vehicle's frame or to a substantial steel support structure that connects to the frame. Do not fasten to your truck's floor/bed only.