Recommended Components for Installing the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Hitch in a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500

Question:

I have a 2004 Dodge 2500 Diesel and am interested in andW Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs.... What else do i need to purchase with this hitch...

asked by: Jim A

Expert Reply:

For your 2004 Dodge Ram 2500, the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, # BWRVK3200, and B&W Custom Base Rails and Installation Kit, # BWRVK2600, work well with an 8 foot bed. The installation kit brackets will install under the bed and mount to existing holes already in your Ram's frame.

If you have a 6 foot or less bed on your truck, then it is recommended that a slider 5th wheel hitch be used to gain the correct amount of clearance between the cab of your truck and the front of your 5th wheel trailer.

If you have the 6 foot bed, then I recommend the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider, # BWRVK3270, and the B&W Custom Base Rails and Installation Kit, # BWRVK2600. This hitch will give you all the features of the standard Patriot hitch, but this hitch has the slider to allow you cab to trailer clearance on short bed trucks.

I also recommend adding the Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wring Harness, # HM42137. The 7-way harness is installed in the bed of your truck to allow for an easier connection point for 5th wheel trailer 7-way trailer plugs. No struggling to connect your trailer plug to the 7-way located at the bumper of your vehicle.

I have attached a couple of videos on the products and an article the will give you more info a 5th wheel hitches and short bed trucks for you to review.