Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch for 2014 Ram 2500

Question:

I have a 2014 Ram 2500 standard bed with 6.7L Cummins, I am going to be purchasing a Grand Design 311 BHS in the next week and want to get the correct 5th wheel set up. Where I park my trailer I will need to Hook up and Disconnect on an angle, so a slider hitch or pivoting pin box seems to not be ideal. Can I get away with a traditional 5th wheel set up or do I have to use a slider?

asked by: James T

Expert Reply:

For your 2014 Ram 2500, if you have the 8 foot bed, you will not need a sliding hitch but with a 6-1/2 foot bed it is recommended to allow you proper turning clearance. The standard bed normally refers to the 6-1/2 foot bed, but people use different terms, so I'll give you both options.

For your rail kit, I recommend the Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP50054-58 which comes with brackets specifically for your truck. Then if you have the 8 foot bed, I recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30047 which has a dual pivoting head to allow for easier connection under the circumstances you mentioned.

The Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs # C16521 is my recommendation for a sliding hitch. The head has a 4 way pivot with 5 degrees side to side. It has a visible indicator to let you determine at a glance if you are connected or disconnected from the trailer. This hitch also has an interlocking jaw design for excellent king pin contact to reduce jarring and chucking.

With either option, I also recommend the wiring harness # 50-97-410 to add a second 7-way trailer connection to your bed for a clean look and easier connection access.