how Does a 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Install on a 2000 Dodge Ram
Question:
Doe the fifth wheel hitch just bolt to the bed
asked by: Larry P
Expert Reply:
Not exactly. The hitch sits in rails (in most cases). These rails sit above the bed and the hitch is held to them with pins. The rails are bolted through the bed to brackets that are bolted to the frame rails of the truck. If the hitch were bolted to the bed alone attempting to tow a 5th wheel trailer would result in loss of truck bed.
For your 2000 Dodge Ram, with a 6 or 8 foot bed you can use the universal installation kit you have referenced # RP30035. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you to view. I have also linked a video showing a typical installation on a similar truck.
For a trailer hitch you will need to go by the gross trailer weight when loaded and ready to tow and by the length of the bed. A short bed truck would require a slider hitch. A hitch with a 16,000 pound capacity is a fairly common capacity. For a fixed (non-sliding) hitch use # RP30047. For a round tube slider, use # RP30075.
For higher capacity hitches they go up to 18K (requires a different installation kit), and 20K for sliders. And for fixed there are 18K (different install kit), 20K, and 22K. however you will need to stay within the capacity of the truck as stated in the owners manual. I have included a link to our FAQ on 5th wheel hitches for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Round 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
- 11 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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
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on Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
