Best 5th Wheel Towing Setup for a 2017 Ram 2500 Short Bed with Prep Package

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Question:

I’m planning on buying a fifth wheel trailer soon and am doing some research to make sure before I commit to buying a model that may be too heavy for my current truck. I want to be safe and not have the truck working at its limits all the time. I have a 2 part question - I’m confused over how much towing capacity my truck is capable of. There’s a lot of calculators out there that only confuse me. I have a 2017 RAM 2500 Laramie Limited, 4wd, standard bed 6’3”, with 6.7L Cummins diesel, A6 68RFE transmission with 3.42 final drive ratio and Auto level rear end suspension. The GCVWR is 25,300 lbs and max trailer weight rating is 17,200. Can you give me some idea where my tow limits are on the truck? Second question is what type of fifth wheel hitch would you recommend for my truck? The idea of an airbag hitch seems like a good way to absorb the banging around to avoid chucking. Having said that I’ve never towed a fifth wheel so this is new to me. I have a travel trailer and familiar with receiver hitch towing. I have the prep package Thanks in advance for your reply

asked by: Jim

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Expert Reply:

According to my research, the towing capacity of your 2017 Ram 2500 is 17,200 lbs. This means that the gross trailer weight (GTW) of your trailer cannot exceed this figure. When towing a 5th wheel trailer you also need to take into consideration pin weight. The pin weight of your trailer and all of the cargo and passengers in the truck cannot exceed the payload capacity which is 2,380 lbs.

In regards to the type of 5th wheel hitch to use on your truck, you will need to use a sliding 5th wheel hitch or a fixed 5th wheel hitch with a rotating pin box. If you will be replacing the pin box for a cushioned one then you may as well get one with both a cushioned and rotating feature. The reason for this is because if you have a short bed truck, you need to move the connection point back away from the cab so the loft of the trailer does not come into contact with the cab while turning.

For a 5th wheel hitch, I recommend the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch part # BWRVK3600 because it has 1" thick dual jaws which will work to reduce rattle more so than most other 5th wheel hitches on the market. The head can also be removed separately of the base so you can take it out of the truck bed in pieces which will be much easier than carrying the whole thing out. This hitch is made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty. It is considered to be one of the best on the market.

In order to recommend the correct pin box, I would need to know the make and model number of the pin box on your trailer now. This is usually found on a sticker that is placed on the pin box itself. For example, if you have a Lippert 1621 pin box then you can use the 5th Airborne Premium 5th Wheel Air Ride King Pin part # RP61422 which is both cushioned and rotates. I have attached a list of the other pin box options we have for you as well or you can let me know what your make and model is so I can pick out the correct one for you.

I have attached review videos for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Best 5th Wheel Towing Setup for a 2017 Ram 2500 Short Bed with Prep Package

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