5th Wheel Base Rail Kit for 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Extended Cab Pickup
Question:
I was mistaken our pickup is a three quarter ton extended cab with a long box. It also has a goose neck hitch in it at this time would you recommend getting just an adaptor for the goose neck or using the regular fifth wheel hitch instead. Is there going to be a problem with turn if we use the ft wheel hitch. Thanks
asked by: Donna J
Expert Reply:
On your 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 the towing capacity of your trailer and the bed size are the two big issues. The towing capacity can range between 3,600 lbs to 8,100 lbs depending on how it is equipped. Since there are several different options your truck could have you will want to check the owners manual of your truck to determine what the towing capacity of your specific vehicle is.
The sticker inside your driver's door is also a great resource for the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of your Truck and the Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of your truck and trailer combination.
For your bed rails, I recommend the Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10 Bolt # RP30035. These rails will work with a short bed or a long bed. The Reese 14K Classic will work with these base rails, but if you have a short bed truck you will want a sliding hitch so you don't make contact with your truck cab when turning. For a slider, I recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs # RP30051.
Please note that even though the hitch is rated for a capacity, your truck will be the limiting factor on your towing capacity. Your loaded trailer cannot exceed your vehicle capacity without damage to your vehicle.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt X5 5th Wheel Base Rails Adapter for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitches - 20,000 lbs
- Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters
- Adapts Truck
- Gooseneck Hitch to Fifth Wheel Trailer
- No Offset
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Connects to Gooseneck Hole
- Fixed Height
- Hitch Adapters
- CURT
more information >
B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters
- Adapts Truck
- Gooseneck Hitch to Fifth Wheel Trailer
- No Offset
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Connects to Gooseneck Hole
- Fixed Height
- Hitch Adapters
- B and W
more information >
Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Single Jaw - 21,000 lbs
- Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters
- Adapts Truck
- Gooseneck Hitch to Fifth Wheel Trailer
- Offset
- 21000 lbs GTW
- Connects to Gooseneck Ball
- Adjustable Height
- Hitch Adapters
- Demco
more information >
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 15 - 18 Inch Tall
- 10 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10 Bolt
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Universal
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
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Donna L.
10/8/2018
I was mistaken our pickup is a three quarter ton extended cab with a long box. It also has a goose neck hitch in it at this time would you recommend getting just an adaptor for the goose neck or using the regular fifth wheel hitch instead. Is there going to be a problem with turn if we use the ft wheel hitch. Thanks