Location of 5th Wheel Hitch on a 2055 Dodge Ram 2500 with 6-1/2 Bed
Question:
Where do I position my fifth wheel hitch in my 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 short bed
asked by: John
Expert Reply:
The head unit of your 5th wheel hitch should sit above or slightly in front of the rear axle on your 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 6-1/2' bed. The exact location though will be determined by where your base rails sit.
We have a few different options of base rails with the difference being the difficulty of installation. With all of the kits the distance from the back of your cab to where the king pin sits will be about 36" which you can use to get an idea for where your hitch will sit.
If you don't already have a base rail kit then I recommend going with the Quick-Install Kit # RP50140-58 which minimizes drilling and will be the easiest to install. We also have the Semi-Custom Kit # RP30035-186 and the Universal Kit # RP30035-023 which are progressively more difficult to install but are more cost-effective options that accomplish the same goal.
If you don't already have a 5th wheel hitch then we have the Reese 16K Slider # RP30075. As it has 11" of travel for cab clearance on tight turns and the round rollers help make it travel much more smooth.
I also recommend installing a 7-Way in the bed of your truck like part # HM42137 to make connecting and disconnecting your trailer wiring easier.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- Vehicle End Connector
- No Tow Package
- 7 Round - Blade
- Plug and Lead
- Plug-In
- Hopkins
more information >
Reese Semi-Custom Base Rail and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Dodge Ram
- 5th Wheel Hitch Rails
- Semi-Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Reese Semi-Custom Base Rail and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Dodge Ram
- 5th Wheel Hitch Rails
- Semi-Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Round Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 15 - 18 Inch Tall
- 11 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- 5th Wheel Hitch Rails
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ram Truck - Gloss Finish
- Article: Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Sag When Hauling A travel Trailer With A 2022 Ram 1500
- Q&A: How to Tell if my Trailer Wheel Has an Offset or Not
- Q&A: Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Rail Kit that Fits 2012 Ram 2500
- Q&A: Towing Capacity of 2006 Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel
- Q&A: Timbrens Vs SumoSprings for a 2017 Ram 1500
- Q&A: Timbrens or SumoSprings For 2021 Ram 1500 Crew Cab For Helping With Sag
- Q&A: Recommended Suspension Upgrade to Stop a Sagging Rear End in a 2021 Ram 1500
- Article: 5th Wheel Hitch Installation | The Ultimate DIY Guide
- Article: How to Mount a Truck Bed Camper
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Article: Best Boat Accessories
- Article: Trailer Drum Brakes vs. Disc Brakes: Making the Decision
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams