Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch for Short Bed 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Diesel

Question:

I have a 2004 Dodge Ram quad cab Ram 2500 4x4 truck with the Cummings diesel engine. The truck has a 5.5 foot bed. I want to pull a 2015 Grand Design 337RLS 5th wheel trailer. I think the dry weight is just over 11,000lbs. Not sure what the hitch weight is. I have been told that I will need a sliding hitch. There isnt anything mounted on the truck right now. No rails, no ball, no campaion. All I have is a bumper pull hitch. What type of hitch and rail system do you recommend?

asked by: Cliff I

Expert Reply:

According to my research, the 2004 Dodge Ram short bed had the 6-1/2 foot bed, not the 5-1/2 foot bed.

I'll recommend our two most popular options, one that uses industry standard 5th wheel mounting rails that'll remain permanently mounted in the bed when the hitch is removed between uses and a hitch that installs using under-bed mounts that leaves the bed completely free when the hitch is removed.

For a rail mounted option, I'd recommend the Curt A16 sliding hitch, part # C16521 along with the custom install bracket/rail kit, part # C16420-204. The Curt A16 has a 16K capacity, which will be plenty for the 14K GVWR of your 5th wheel. The hitch uses an interlocking jaw that holds the king pin very tightly all along its 360º circumference for a smooth ride. The torsion pivoting heat helps dampen movement that will further isolate some of the banging and rattling from the tow vehicle.

For an under-bed mount, I'd recommend the B&W Companion which consists of the # BWGNRK1313-5W Turnover Ball Hitch which is used as a mount for the 20K capacity # BWRVK3400-5W Companion sliding 5th wheel hitch. As mentioned above, this setup would leave your bed completely empty with the 5th wheel hitch removed. You'll have the flexibility to tow both 5th wheel and gooseneck trailers, and the 5th wheel hitch features massive 1 inch thick jaws that hold the king pin very tightly, greatly reducing rattle caused by the hitch moving around in the jaws.

Either hitch would work great for you, and Curt and B&W both provide a super-high quality product. B&W hitches are American made, which is another nod in their favor.

If you'd like to install a 7-way trailer connector in the truck bed so you don't need to run the trailer connector wire up over the tailgate, you can do so using part # HM42137.

I've linked to installation videos for the parts mentioned above.