Recommended 5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch for 2017 Ram 2500 with Factory Rail Kit

Question:

Good morning, I have a 2017 Ram 2500 with the factory Puck mounting system. Will this hitch mount on the Reese adaptor RD30154? Is there any drilling involved? Is it easily removable? Approximate weight? Thank you,

asked by: Tom A

Helpful Expert Reply:

The B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider # BWRVK3270 referenced in your question can be used on your 2017 Ram 2500 with the factory rail kit by using the Reese Rail Adapter # RP30154. The B&W Patriot is compatible with industry-standard, above-bed rails, which is exactly what mounting the Reese Rail Adapter to your factory puck system will provide.

Because the Reese Rail Adapter uses the existing puck mounting system, no drilling will be required during installation. I have attached the written installation details as well as a helpful video demonstration for you to check out. The B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Hitch will then just attach to the rail adapter. The B&W Patriot is approximately 221 pounds, so it will require some heavy lifting and probably more than one person to remove.

The weight of the Reese Rail Adapter is around 90 pounds and can be removed easily by simply removing the bail pin/locks, rotating four corner handles into the unlocked position and lifting up the adapter.

Another option to consider is the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # BWRVK3670, which is actually designed to attach directly to the receivers in your factory mounting system, without the need for an adapter rail kit. This 5th-wheel hitch has a gross towing weight of 20,000 pounds and offers 12 additional inches of clearance for tight turns. This particular hitch is around 304 pounds.

If you do not have one already, I also recommend a 5th-Wheel Wiring Harness like the Pollak # PK11893-11932. Once installed, this will provide a 7-way connector in the bed of your truck for easy hookup with your trailer.