5th Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2016 Ram 2500
Question:
We just bought a 2016 Dodge 2500 and would like to install a fifth wheel hitch. What type of hitch do I need?
asked by: Edgar G
Expert Reply:
The right 5th wheel hitch for your 2016 Ram 2500 is going to depend on if you have a long bed or a short bed, because a short bed will require a sliding 5th wheel hitch to ensure the trailer doesn't run into your cab when you make a tight turn. The first thing you will need though are base rails, and the best option for this is a no-drill kit, the Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ram Truck # C16427-204.
Then for a hitch I highly recommend the Curt A-Series, with the right model depending on your Ram's bed size.
- Long Bed (8' Bed): Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # C16140
- Short Bed (Less Than 8'): Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with R20 Slider # C16541
The A20 is a really great hitch because of its dual jaw system along with its color-coded lock indicator; these components combine to give you a hitch that is both easy to use and allows for an enjoyable, comfortable ride.
The A20 will give you a highly secure connection with your trailer due to its interlocking dual jaw system that wraps totally around the king pin. This means that the back-and-forth chucking, bucking and jarring that you get when towing with lesser hitches won't occur with the A20, so you can go on your journey more peacefully. It also has a handy indicator system, and what this does is let you know if the jaws on the hitch are ready to couple, uncouple or tow.
The hitch even has a fully articulating head which eases the coupling process and built-in zerk fittings so you can lube the hitch without issue. I have added links below to video reviews for you to check out as well of the Curt A20 # C16140 and # C16541.
The only other thing you will need is a 5th wheel wiring harness, and the right fit for your 2016 Ram 2500 is the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness # C56000
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13 - 17 Inch Tall
- CURT
more information >
Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ram Truck - Carbide Finish
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- CURT
more information >
Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R20 Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17-1/2 - 21-1/2 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 10' Long
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 10 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: 5th Wheel Hitch Installation | The Ultimate DIY Guide
- Article: Adapters for Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a Gooseneck Hitch
- Article: Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips
- Q&A: Does Curt 7-Way Fit 2023 Ford F-350 Cab & Chassis
- Q&A: Best Placement in Truck Bed for Fifth Wheel 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Can 5th Wheel Trailer Wiring Be Connected To Bumper or Only 7-Way In-Bed Connection?
- Q&A: Recommended Air Spring Kit For A 2016 Ford F-250
- Q&A: How to Determine Correct Height Setting for 5th Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch for a 2021 Ram 2500 With RamBoxes