Best Sliding Hitch for 2016 Ram 3500 4x4 Diesel Crew Cab with 6.5 Foot Bed and 5th Wheel Prep Pucks

Question:

Best Hitch for my truck? Hi. I have 2016 Ram 3500 4x4 diesel crew cab with 6.5 bed with 5th wheel prep. We are looking at purchasing a fifth wheel. Was originally considering a Reese goose box 20k. But with short bed will I have clearance issues? Also if I do what hitch would I need? I prefer something that would utilize the 5th wheel prep package. Also if a slide type hitch which is better? auto vs manual slide operation?

asked by: Cara

Expert Reply:

For your 2016 Ram 3500 with 6.5 foot bed, since you have the factory puck system a sliding 5th wheel hitch will provide much better turning clearance than the Reese Goose Box. You will absolutely want that clearance so I recommend using a sliding hitch.

The manual slide can be a little bit of a pain simply because it requires jumping out of your truck to release the lock, jumping back in your truck to move it up, then jumping back out to engage the lock in the new position then back in to drive around the tight area. This is only required around tight areas like gas pumps and then at your campsite for example. Then doing the opposite to get back into towing position to hit the road again. If you don't mind that, then the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider # BWRVK3670 is the best option. This hitch is extremely well made and will fit right into your factory pucks. It is well designed and is always a customer favorite.

If you want to stay in your cab, then the automatic slide is the best option. You will need adapter # DM6099 for your pucks and then use # DM8550035 for a 21K option or # DM8550034 for an 18K option. This hitch will hold the pin box in place and the head of the hitch will rotate to allow the sliding needed for each turn to have proper clearances. This combination makes it easy to drive and not worry about any adjustments which gives added peace of mind.

expert reply by: Jason S