Recommended Easy to Handle 5th Wheel Hitch for Factory Pucks on 2019 Ram 2500 Short Bed

Question:

I have a 2020 Ram 2500 short bed with a factory installed towing prep pucks and all. My wife and I are looking at a Forest River - Rockwood - Ultra Lite 2882S 5th wheel. I have reached a decision to go with the Demco Adapter DM6099. Our needs for the 5th wheel hitch is to be a manual slider, sturdy, trouble free, capable to keep the trailer level as possible and yet have a hitch as light as possible. Your recommendations for a hitchs would be greatly appreciated! Thank you.

asked by: Jim K

Expert Reply:

The B&W # BWRVK3670 Companion 5th wheel hitch you'd looked at would be an outstanding choice, because of its high quality and the excellent ride quality it provides. The hitch uses massive 1 inch thick jaws that hold the king pin tightly, and won't allow any movement of the king pin in the jaws which means less rattling and banging and a smoother ride. The hitch won't require a separate adapter, it'll mount right in the existing pucks.

The only two downsides are cost and the weight of the unit. The hitch can be disassembled into two units, the head weighs about 70 lbs and the base weighs about 210 lbs so it's not what I'd call portable. B&W offers a lifting device, part # BWRVXA3130 that would work well if you have a hoist available. As far as cost goes, B&W makes an excellent product and this is certainly an instance where you get what you pay for.

Curt provides a lighter and less expensive option, the A20 with slider part # C16541. The hitch uses a unique interlocking jaw that also holds the king pin tightly for great ride quality. The hitch easily breaks down into two sections, with each weighing about 100 lbs and the necessary adapter which allows the hitch to install into the factory pucks is part # C16022 which weighs around 75 lbs. Still not light, but much easier to handle. Curt makes a great, high quality product so you won't sacrifice any quality by going this route.

Given the parameters you mentioned, I believe the Curt option would provide the best quality, easiest to handle hitch for your needs.

I've linked to demonstration videos that you might find helpful.