Will a Gooseneck Trailer Hitch Work on a 2009 Dodge Ram 2500 With a Short Bed

Expert Reply:

There are several different gooseneck trailer hitches that can be used on the 2009 Dodge 2500 Pickup. The Remove-A-Ball Gooseneck, part # 6300-4435, and the Fold Down Gooseneck Series, part # 8339-4435, are very good systems that do not require drilling or bed removal and will fit all models of the Dodge truck.

There is also an option to use standard fifth wheel rails and a gooseneck hitch mount, like gooseneck hitch # RP58079 and custom fifth-wheel rail kit # RP50140-58. If your truck has overload springs, you would instead rail kit # RP30035-186.

Clearing the cab should not be a problem, as most gooseneck trailers do not have an extension forward of the gooseneck coupler. If you have a gooseneck trailer with a forward extension you will need to measure and verify that the gooseneck mounting location will be far enough back for clearance. To do that you will need to measure the hitch ball center line which must be located above and forward of the rear axle of the truck. Adequate clearance must be provided between the forward corners of the gooseneck trailer and the cab of the truck, and adequate clearance must be provided between the gooseneck trailer and the rear of the vehicle so that the trailer does not contact any part of the truck during turning. There are so many styles of trailer out there that measuring is the only way to be sure clearance issues will not arise.

You can view more information on my recommendations at the links provided.

expert reply by: Bob G