Fifth Wheel to Gooseneck Trailer hitch Adapter Recommendation for a 2007 Dodge Ram Short Bed

Question:

My truck is a 2007 dodge 2500 mega cab 4x4 short bed with standard tires and wheels. I am going to buy a 38 ft fithwheel travel trailer and want to pull it with my BandW turnover ball. Which one of these would you think would work the best? I am not close enough to the trailer to do any measuring but need your input on what you would buy to be safe and have enough clearance on the top of the bed also.

asked by: Terry O

Expert Reply:

Measuring is going to be very important when determining the safest way to tow a fifth wheel trailer. The first step is to make sure that the trailer can be used with an adapter. Some 5th wheel manufactures state not to. Once you have verified you can use an adapter, you will need to measure for height needed by backing the truck under the trailer as if you were going to hook up.

Make sure both trailer and truck are on flat, level ground. Measure from the top of the ball to the bottom of the pin box (not the bottom of the king pin, you want to measure up to the flat surface where the king pin is attached to the pin box). This measurement will tell you what height adapter you will need.

Keep in mind that the offset gooseneck coupler adapters will provide additional clearance to allow for tighter turns, but it does not prevent the trailer from hitting the cab when making a 90 degree turn. The main purpose of an offset adapter is to extend the fifth wheel trailer away from the back of the truck bed.

For an adapter, I recommend the Ranch Hitch with Offset, # AM3139. This adapter has an 8 inch offset and is height adjustable from 11-3/4 inches to 14-3/4 inches. It has a gross trailer weight capacity of 24,000 pounds and a pin weight capacity of 6,000 pounds. You will also need safety chains, # AM3109.

If you want a product that will allow you to safely execute a 90 degree turn without hitting the cab of your truck, then you will want a sliding fifth wheel hitch like the Pro Series 20K Fifth Wheel Hitch, # PS30121, and Installation Kit, # RP50140-58. I have attached installation instructions and a product link for this hitch for you to check out.