Recommended Equipment to Tow 5th Wheel Trailer With 2018 Ram 2500 With 8 Foot Bed

Question:

Im new to towing a fifth wheel trailer and would like recommendations on what the best set up is for towing with my 2018 ram 2500 with an 8 foot bed. I'm looking for anything that will be good for my truck while also helping keep us safe. Im looking for a hitch, rails, suspension, coolers and whatever will give me the best set up.

asked by: Raymond M

Expert Reply:

The best towing setup for your 2018 Ram 2500 with an 8 bed is going to consist of all the parts you mentioned - a fifth wheel hitch, base rails, suspension enhancement and a transmission cooler.

The right fifth wheel hitch is going to be crucial and I highly recommend the Curt A20 # C16140 because it has a jaw system that is extremely secure and is simpler to use than many fifth-wheel hitches because of its color-coded indicator system. This color-coded system, which you can check out in the accompanying photo, will let you know if the jaws on the hitch are ready to couple, uncouple or tow.

The A20 also has a fully articulating head which eases the coupling process and has dual jaws for complete and secure contact with your fifth wheel trailer's king pin. The A20 has a 20,000 lb towing capacity and even comes with a lifetime warranty.

To mount the Curt A20 # C16140 in the bed of your '18 Ram 2500 you will need base rails and the best option is going to be the Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ram Truck # C16427-204 because they are a custom fit which means the brackets do not require drilling into the frame of your Ram during the installation. Not only is this good for your truck, but it also significantly cuts down on your installation time. I have added a link to a video of this kit being installed on a 2018 Ram 2500 for you to check out which shows the process involved; I have also added a photo of these rails installed in an '18 Ram 2500 so you can see exactly how they will look in your truck bed.

Your towing experience will also be improved with the use of suspension enhancement and I highly recommend the SumoSuprings Solo Custom Helper Springs # SSR-312-54 because they will help keep your truck level, absorb shock, are easy to install and require no maintenance. When the SumoSprings compress under a load (like when towing a fifth wheel trailer) they will help keep your front tires on the ground which will improve the handling of your Ram 2500, and thus keeps you that much safer. The SumoSprings # SSR-312-54 are very easy to install as you can see by the linked instructions, and once they are on your 2018 Ram, there is no upkeep needed.

The final thing I recommend to make your fifth wheel towing experience the best possible is a transmission cooler because it will not only help your Ram's transmissions while you are in the midst of towing but also extend its lifespan by years, helping save you money.

When it comes to transmission coolers, since you cannot overcool fluids, the general rule is you should use the largest one you can fit in your truck. The best option for your 2018 Ram 2500 is the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit # D13504 because it is large, measuring 11" Wide x 12" tall x 7/8" deep, and is a plate-and-fin style, which is extremely efficient.

I have added links to video reviews of both the SumoSprings # SSR-312-54 and Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit # D13504 for you to take a look at.