Installing Fifth Wheel Hardware Over Existing Gooseneck Plate on a 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 8 foot bed
Question:
Hello, I have a 97 dodge ram 2500 4x4 8foot bed truck. It has a gooseneck plate looks to be either original or a manufactured add on. The gooseneck plate is underneath the floor, and it has flanges that are bolted to the outside of the frame rails. I am buying a 28foot holiday rambler fifth wheel trailer. I am getting a reese 15k classic fifth wheel hitch with the trailer. I need to add rails to mount the fifth wheel hitch. Can I use a universal rail kit? Is it necessary to drill thru the top of the frame rails, since the plate is already bolted to the frame on each side? I appreciate any advice you could give.
asked by: Jack C
Expert Reply:
According to my technical contact at Reese it is not recommended to have both a gooseneck and fifth wheel hitch installed at the same time and to have both useable. The reason for this is exactly as you have indicated that the mounting hardware that secures both of the hitches to the truck uses the exact location on the truck frame. If you were to drill through the existing hardware in order to mount the fifth wheel hitch it could compromise the integrity of the gooseneck hitch. These hitches are only safety rated when properly installed.
The manufacturers recommend using either a gooseneck or fifth wheel style of hitch, if you are still needing to have the gooseneck hitch option available for towing other trailers then I recommend using an adapter. There are many adapters available and in many different configurations, and I have included a FAQ that presents the different adapter options that are available.
For the best ride quality when towing your fifth wheel trailer using the fifth wheel style hitch will be smoother than using an adapter that converts the king pin on the trailer to be compatible with a gooseneck hitch.
If your existing gooseneck is a Curt or a B and W brand gooseneck hitch then my recommendation would be to use an adapter that uses your existing gooseneck hitch and establishes rails for attaching the Reese 15K Fifth wheel hitch that you are getting. You should be able to find some manufacturer stickers or stamping on the gooseneck hitch and determine the manufacture. If your gooseneck is a Curt brand then the Curt X-5 # C16210 is recommended, if your hitch is a B and W then the Curt C-5 # 16310 is recommended.This style of adapter is the most cost effective, minimally invasive, and will provide the best ride quality.
If you are not needing to keep the gooseneck and are wanting to only use the fifth wheel kit that is included with your Fifth Wheel RV trailer then you can remove the gooseneck hitch and ball and then install the Reese 15K Fifth Wheel hitch using a universal fit installation kit # RP30035. I have included a video showing fifth wheel hitch being installed on a slightly newer Dodge pick up using the universal hardware kit.
For safety reasons is not recommended to re-use fifth wheel kit mounting hardware, please make sure that you use new hardware if installing this fifth wheel hitch in your 1997 Dodge Ram.
I have included links to the parts recommended, a video and a helpful FAQ for your reference.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt X5 5th Wheel Base Rails Adapter for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitches - 20,000 lbs
- Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters
- Adapts Truck
- Gooseneck Hitch to Fifth Wheel Trailer
- No Offset
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Connects to Gooseneck Hole
- Fixed Height
- Hitch Adapters
- CURT
more information >
Curt X5 5th Wheel Base Rails Adapter for Curt Double Lock Gooseneck Trailer Hitches - 20,000 lbs
- Gooseneck and Fifth Wheel Adapters
- Adapts Truck
- Gooseneck Hitch to Fifth Wheel Trailer
- No Offset
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Connects to Gooseneck Hole
- Fixed Height
- Hitch Adapters
- CURT
more information >
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 >
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