Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab Towing a 2008 Cyclone M-3210

Question:

I have purchased a 2008 cyclone m3210. The dry weight on this toyhauler is 10950 lbs and gvwr is 18000 lbs. What would be the correct hitch to install? I currently have a Reese 16K slider. will this be adequate or do I need to step up to the 18k or 20 k hitch? I will be using a 2007 Dodge ram 2500 mega cab 4 x 4 to pull this rv. Are there any other special accessories I might need to install on my truck? What is the best mounting bracket to use to mount the rails in my truck?

asked by: Chris K

Expert Reply:

When choosing a fifth wheel hitch, you should choose a hitch that has a weight capacity greater than the fully loaded or gross weight of your trailer. If your 2008 Cyclone M-3210 will remain under 16,000 lbs when it is loaded with your cargo, then you can use your Reese 16K slider hitch. To determine this, you will want to take the weight of all of the cargo that you plan on loading in the trailer and add that the the dry weight of the trailer.

If the gross trailer weight will exceed 16,000 lbs, then you will want to choose a hitch that can handle the weight capacity of your trailer like the Curt 20K Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch, # C16671.

The mounting brackets that I would recommend for the Reese 20K or 16K hitch are the Reese Custom Brackets and Rails, # RP50140-58. The custom brackets do not require any drilling to install and significantly reduce the installation time from universal or semi-custom brackets. I have attached a link to the installation instructions for you to check out.

The only additional accessory that you may be interested in is a Fifth Wheel/Gooseneck 7-Pole wiring harness for your truck bed. If you have a factory 7-way connector, then you can use the Hopkins 90-Degree Wiring Harness, # HM42137. This will plug in line with the 7-way connector at the back of your truck and mount in your truck bed. I have attached an installation video for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H