Tallest 5th Wheel Hitch Available for a 2017 Ram 2500 Tradesman

Question:

Have a 2017 Ram 2500 Tradesman with a 6.5 ft bed and a 2014 Chaparral 328res with tapered overhang. Borrowed an Andersen hitch model 3200 above bed rails. Clearance between bottom of pin box and bed side rails was only 1”, height of hitch was 18”.max height Can you recommend a hitch that will give me 4”+ of clearance.

asked by: Ray F

Expert Reply:

I will have to admit this is the first time I have ever heard of a time where there was such a limited clearance measurement between the top of the bed side and bottom of the pin box. I do have an option for you but I don't think there is a way to get you to the recommended 6" of clearance between the top of the bed side and bottom of the pin box. The reason for this has to do with both a combination of tall bed sides on your Ram and the length of the pin box on your Chaparral.

The tallest 5th wheel hitch option we have for you is the B&W Patriot # BWRVK3255 which measures 19" from the base to the skid plate. This will fit the same base rails you have installed for the Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System part # AM3200.

expert reply by: Conner L

Richard M.

9/7/2020

i have 2013 chevy diesel with the tall bed rails. i'm at 58" and my underneath of 5th wheel is 60". i use to tow with superduty f-250 and superglide. i'm going to look at the bw patriot, has height adjustment. 5th wheel towing capacity 17.500 looking to create 5" minimum bed rail, have long 38'. any suggustions

Jon G.

9/10/2020

I believe that your SuperGlide sits at 18-1/2" high while the B&W Patriot is at 19" high. Since you're needing 3" - 4" more clearance I'd look at installing an over-under conversion kit, part # K71-384-00 or # K71-385-00. An over-under kit will increase the height of your trailer equivalent to the diameter of your axle plus the height of your leaf spring stack.