Recommended 5th Wheel Towing Setup for a 2017 Ram 2500 with 6-1/2 Foot Bed

Question:

Im looking to get a 5th wheel mount for my truck specd out. Its a 2017 2500 Dodge Mega Cab with 6.5 foot bed.

asked by: Brandon F

Expert Reply:

For a 5th wheel installation kit that will work with your 2017 Ram 2500, I recommend taking a look at the Reese Quick-Install Custom Base Rails and Installation Kit part # RP50054-58 for inboard rails or part # RP56009-53 for outboard rails.

An outboard 5th wheel installation kit will be much easier to install compared to an inboard 5th wheel installation kit. In most cases, the frame brackets used on an outboard kit will have mounting bolts that attach outside the frame rail. On inboard installation kits, the frame brackets have mounting bolts that will be on the inside of the frame rail. The longer base rails for the outboard kit are required because the mounting holes are outside the frame rail and not inside the frame rail like on the inboard kit. As long as your 5th wheel hitch uses industry standard rails (ISR) then either of these kits will work well well for you.

If you do not have a 5th wheel hitch then I recommend taking a look at the Reese 20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # RP30928 for rotating pin boxes or the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R20 Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs # C16541 pin boxes. Both of the above 5th wheel hitches have a 4-way pivoting head which aids in connecting the trailer on unlevel ground. I also recommend installing a 7-way in the truck bed using the Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug part # 41157.

expert reply by: Conner L