What Is Needed to Tow a 21 Ft. Fifth Wheel with a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 V8 Short Bed

Expert Reply:

The first thing you will need is an install kit. A fifth wheel install kit provides a set of brackets that attach to the truck frame under the truck bed and a set of rails that bolt through the bed to the brackets. The rails sit in the bed and the actual hitch is pinned to these rails.

The installation kit for your truck is part # RP30035 from Reese. I have added a link to the kit and the instructions below. See page 14 of the instructions for your particular vehicle.

Once you have the install kit the next thing you will need is the hitch itself. Since you have a short bed truck, you will need a sliding fifth wheel. A slider will allow you extra turn clearance when making tight turns or maneuvering into your camp spot. Which hitch you will need, is then dependent on the gross weight of the loaded trailer. If you are under 16,000 pounds, part # RP30075 from Reese would be my choice. If you need more capacity, part # RP30083 would provide a 20,000 pound capacity. Make sure you do not exceed the towing capacities of your truck.

expert reply by: Michael H