I haven’t pull the 5th wheeler yet, but the B&W Companion is a super heavy duty hitch and it looks like it will handle the job. The installation of the hitch went well. The instructions were pretty straight forward. No problems.
I picked this up because I wanted to get rid of the goose-neck that the previous owner had put on my 5th wheel camper and go back to towing with the kingpin. I already had a B&W turnover ball installed in my truck so this hitch made a lot of sense to buy. The hitch goes in fairly easy, but be warned it is quite heavy. I can manage it by myself but feel much better having someone help my get it in the truck. It tows great and it very well built. I would highly recommend it to anyone that has a turnover ball and does not want to drill a bunch of holes in the bed of their truck.
I haven’t pull the 5th wheeler yet, but the B&W Companion is a super heavy duty hitch and it looks like it will handle the job. The installation of the hitch went well. The instructions were pretty straight forward. No problems.
Hitch arrived with in a week , easy installation and works great , thanks etrailer
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by: Kory05/24/2018
Successfully installed this hitch even in a RAM Box. I did remove 2" from the handles so I have the proper clearance for the RAM box. That shortened length hasn't changed my ability to unlock the hitch for either function even being 5'-8". I do think this installation method with U-bolts that go around the frame is easier than the 1/2 ton version I installed which pulled knurled bolts through the factory frame holes to hold the support brackets.
We took it to a shop to have it installed. It looks great, and the features to make sure our 5th wheel is securely locked in place give us peace of mind. And it's nice that the rails are made just for our 2016 Ram 3500 long bed. It really is well made and is a brute. Can't wait to get out on the road.
The Hitch was very good quality very easy to install in the 2018 Dodge Ram Total installation by myself was under an hour I plan on using it to move travel trailers fifth wheels around for people
Hitch arrived with in a week , easy installation and works great , thanks etrailer
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by: Curtis H07/01/2016
Due to the low price of this hitch I was wary of its quality, but now after 1 year of use with a 30' Jayco fifth wheel and sometimes double towing with a 3000 lb trailer behind the 5th wheel I have complete confidence in this hitch. I installed it in a 2014 Ram 2500 with Ram Boxes using a Reese Sidewinder. The only modification I had to make was shortening the release handle due to the narrow bed with the Ram Boxes. Other than that this hitch combined with the sidewinder I can turn the camper and truck just over 90 degrees with absolutely no clearance problems and without the need for a slider hitch. The only problem at first was the hitch was somewhat tight but as it wears that tightness is getting better. Overall a well made hitch for a good price.
I haven’t pull the 5th wheeler yet, but the B&W Companion is a super heavy duty hitch and it looks like it will handle the job. The installation of the hitch went well. The instructions were pretty straight forward. No problems.
I bought this hitch just over a year ago and I have been very happy with it. I'm using it to tow an 18k lb toy hauler and it does a great job. I really like the zerk fittings for lubrication, makes it very simple to keep things working smoothly. I really can't think of a single issue that I've had with it. Great hitch and I would certainly recommend Curt products to my friends. etrailer.com was also great to deal with. I got my hitch very quickly after ordering. The only minor issue was that it did not come with pins to attach the hitch to the bed rails. Since I was replacing another hitch I already had a set and didn't worry about it. Overall I am very happy with this purchase.
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by: Roy a02/27/2018
everything came intact in the packages I assembled my hitch tested it . it is what I was looking for. workman ship looks great, will know more when I start drawing trailers this spring.
Demco auto slide hitch works very well with my crew cab short bed Ram. Fits under my tonneau cover nicely. Trouble free thus far. Had to purchase a Demco plate for the camper to make the Rhino box hitch work. etrailer personnel were great in helping ensure I had the right products and kept me well informed of shipping dates.
Very well built and engineered. Great customer Sevice from etrailer and demco. If you plan to remove the fifth wheel from the truck demco makes a lifting pin. A gantry Crain is helpful too. This thing is heavy duty, good for a lifetime! I also purchased the rail adapter. Thumbs up for that also. Be aware that this setup is tall. My 2018 fwd Ram has a tall bed height combined with the fifth wheel height could make a lower trailer pin height a problem with tailgate clearance and trailer angle. I’m very happy with this setup.
Mounted this hitch on my flatbed 3500 Ram and the hitch works flawlessly. Pull 44' tri-axle weighing in at 23,000# with ease. Very easy to use and understand, very easy to maintain.
I haven't towed with the hitch yet and can only say that I'm very pleased with the Q25 hitch for my 2017 Ram 3500. The instructions slightly contradict the available assembly video but I was able to unbox, gather tools, assemble and install the hitch in about 45 minutes.
Take note, the rear feet are larger than the forward feet, this will aide in determining the drivers side and passenger side frame. They appear identical otherwise.
It dropped right in the Ram Puck slots and I only had to adjust one of the feet to make it a little tighter.
I can't wait to hook it up and try it out.
The product its self is good but there were no installation instructions for it so I had to find them on the net. I was a bit disappointed about that. and it says a 4 hour job, well expect a bit more time.
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by: Jim W08/09/2018
The REESE RP30047, 16K double jaws locking hitch, is an excellent 5th wheel hitch. Etrailer.com is a "10" when it comes to marketing and shipping their vendor's products, Their knowledgeable follow-up, helped make my purchase a great on-line experience. It arrived when they said it would.
This is an excellent hitch, easy install on existing mounting rails! Etrailer had the best price by far and provided free shipping! I would highly recommend this company, the only issue I had was with UPS freight, who sat on my shipment for two full weeks before delivering it.
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by: Sean03/02/2020
Tech assistance with questions and ordering process was great. I will use etrailer again and will recommend them to others.
Unit is solid and well built, just as advertised. Assembly and installation was straightforward but prepare for lifting help as the base unit is quite heavy.
This is a replacement upgrade and I can't wait for weather to get better and go camping.
The product its self is good but there were no installation instructions for it so I had to find them on the net. I was a bit disappointed about that. and it says a 4 hour job, well expect a bit more time.
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by: Danny 06/30/2023
I've used this hitch in an 08 f250 and a 15 ram 2500. All I had to do was purchase a set of frame brackets. The fact this hitch can be easily moved among tricks is great. Easy hitching and unhitching. Easy to use. Easily adjust heights. And the slide option being available is great.
I have always had bumper pull RVs. This is my first 5th wheel and 5th wheel hitch. It took approx 5-1/2 hrs to install the rails, hitch, and 7-way extension on a '17 Dodge Ram 2500 diesel with Ramboxs. I love the construction and the "feel" of the hitch. Directions were easy to follow. I get the trailer in a couple days, so no comment on towing, but I am not anticipating any complications. Looking forward to using this hitch for years to come.
Best 5th wheel hitch ever for a RAM 3500 mega cab.
No issues with the RV coming close to the back of the cab or back glass.
I would recommend this hitch to anyone searching for a 5th wheel hitch for a Ram mega cab, I wish I knew about it when I first purchased my Ram mega cab, I learned the hard way, after busting out my back glass...and trying several hitches. This hitch is truly an autoslide. I have showed several short bed guys this hitch and told them the cost of the 5th wheel hitch is worth it.... It is top of the line. This will be the last 5th wheel hitch I will ever need to purchase.
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by: Steve 01/26/2017
I had trouble with this hitch at first. I could not get it to close and latch properly when I backed into the king pin. I worked with tech services and ended up replacing the inner pivot parts and I have really not had any issues since. Because I have to have the locking plate for my pin box, you do have to line up the truck just right for it to latch properly, but once you figure that out, it is easy. The auto slide feature works really good. I have a short bed RAM truck and I have completely turned 90 degrees with my trailer attached and it slides back with no issues to miss my cab. I highly recommend this hitch. Also the Demco Tech Services guys are great to work with.
Demco auto slide hitch works very well with my crew cab short bed Ram. Fits under my tonneau cover nicely. Trouble free thus far. Had to purchase a Demco plate for the camper to make the Rhino box hitch work. etrailer personnel were great in helping ensure I had the right products and kept me well informed of shipping dates.
Just received my anderson goosneck 5th wheel hitch and installed right away. Material is made of superior craftsmanship and will be looking forward to not lifting my heavy husky anymore. 5 star all the way
Love this hitch! Bought the Andersen because I wanted to be able to remove hitch easily and be able use the truck bed. It takes only a few minutes to remove from bed no tools required.
I installed the bed rail kit myself in my 2019 Ram 2500 short bed. The Andersen hitch allows my 32' fifth wheel 90 degrees turning radius.
As far as you guys go, customer service was amazing and you shipped it fast. You need to look into a different shipping company, UPS only delivered half of my hitch because they said both my boxes wouldn't fit in their truck. So I'm having to wait for the other half of my hitch to arrive.
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by: John 11/16/2022
I purchased this hitch one year ago and it is very high quality. I tow a light 21 foot 5th wheel with my RAM 1500 Eco Diesel. I was able to adjust the hitch so that the trailer moved back several inches from the cab that provided better maneuverability compared to my other hitch. I was also able to adjust so that the trailer was perfectly level with the truck. The hitch provides a much tighter connection with the king pin which substantially reduces movement and noise. It was easy to assemble and etrailer did a great job with the entire purchase/shipping experience. Would highly recommend.
Arrived on time. Item was resold, so no other information available.
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by: Mitch02/17/2023
I haven't towed with the hitch yet and can only say that I'm very pleased with the Q25 hitch for my 2017 Ram 3500. The instructions slightly contradict the available assembly video but I was able to unbox, gather tools, assemble and install the hitch in about 45 minutes.
Take note, the rear feet are larger than the forward feet, this will aide in determining the drivers side and passenger side frame. They appear identical otherwise.
It dropped right in the Ram Puck slots and I only had to adjust one of the feet to make it a little tighter.
I can't wait to hook it up and try it out.
Today, on this 2004 Dodge Ram pickup 2500 Series QuadCab, we're will be installing the B&W custom under-bed 5th-wheel installation kit, part number BWGNRK1313-5W. This kit is designed to work with the B&W 5th-wheel Companion hitch, part number BWRVK3500-5W. This can also be used as a Gooseneck hitch if needed. We're going to first go ahead and lower down and set aside the spare tire. Next, we're going to go ahead and remove both of the rear wheels just to make our installation a little bit easier and allow you to see things a little bit easier as well. Next, we're going to need to measure from the rear edge of the bed, right there, as part of the instructions.
The highest capacity fifth wheel hitches are made is 25K so you would need the Curt A25 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs # C16180.
You can use your Reese rails as long as they are Industry Standard Rails (ISR). I will attach a photo to show you what the ISR looks like.
If they are the same you can use the Curt Custom, No-Drill Fifth Wheel Bracket Kit for Dodge Ram # C16420 to mount them to your 2004 Dodge Ram 3500. The capacity on the rails is not an issue.
If... view full answer...
According to my research, the 2004 Dodge Ram short bed had the 6-1/2 foot bed, not the 5-1/2 foot bed.
I'll recommend our two most popular options, one that uses industry standard 5th wheel mounting rails that'll remain permanently mounted in the bed when the hitch is removed between uses and a hitch that installs using under-bed mounts that leaves the bed completely free when the hitch is removed.
For a rail mounted option, I'd recommend the Curt A16 sliding hitch, part... view full answer...
For your 2004 Ram 2500 With Reese Underbed Mounting System, I recommend the Reese M5 Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs # RP30921. This hitch is made specifically for that system.
That system was used for Ford's factory rail system, so there are other hitches available as well. For a 20K option, I recommend the B&W Companion OEM 5th-Wheel Hitch for Ford Super Duty Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs # BWRVK3300. You can also use the Curt Q20 5th Wheel... view full answer...
Since your 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 is a short bed you'll need a slider hitch to provide the clearance needed to make sharp turns. A super popular option is the Reese slider hitch part # RP30075 which has enough capacity and a round tube slider that operates smoothly.
Or you have the option for an automatic slider with the Demco Hijacker part # DM8550034 which slides back as you make tight turns to give you the clearance automatically.
Both of these will fit the rails you have... view full answer...
Husky and M5 Series both use the same dimension industry standard fifth wheel rails so the M5 Series fifth wheel hitch # RP30928 you are interested in should fit and work well.
I attached a picture that shows what the industry standard fifth wheel rail dimensions are as well. Between the rails should measure 22 inches on center. view full answer...
I really like the B&W Companion OEM model, part # BWRVK3300. The hitch has a large 20K capacity, and other features like a 1 inch thick jaw system that has full 360 degree contact with the king pin which helps provide a smoother ride. The hitch also utilizes polyurethane bushings to help dampen road shocks and help keep them isolated from the tow vehicle. The hitch also has a unique cam operated actuating arm that resists binding, even when you're trying to hitch up on uneven... view full answer...
The Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider, part # DM8550034 will work great with your 2004 Ram 2500, and will work with the Lippert pin box you have on your trailer. This hitch features an automatic slider that means you do not have to get out of the truck to operate the slider any more. It also features a wrap around single jaw that helps reduce rattle, and with a dual pivoting head you will have less chucking so that you have a smoother ride.
The 5th... view full answer...
It depends on which installation kit you have. The 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 short bed could use # RP30035-023 (but will not work on trucks with overload springs), kit # RP50140-58, kit # RP30035-186, or kit # RP56011-53. I have included links to the installation instructions for all of these kits for you.
The mounting hardware is not meant to be reused. After torqueing down the hardware it will stretch and so it cannot be re-used. For replacement hardware I would need to know which... view full answer...
If you look at some of the pictures and videos featuring 5th wheel trailer hitches and installations on our site, you may see that the pins are in from the back with the clips on the outside. Basically, it is easier to get the clip off and on when it is on the outside. I've attached a video showing you how to install the Reese # RP30051. view full answer...
The A series of Curt 5th wheel trailer hitches, such as # C16120, is the newest version and is replacing the Q series. The A series jaws overlap whereas the Q series butt up against each other more than overlap. And the bearing and shaft that the head pivots on is different between the 2. They do look very similar, in fact the specs and design are identical like you said, but you can think of the A series as the new and improved version of the Q series.
The Q20 features the... view full answer...
The towing capacity for your 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 SLT is determined by a number of factors: axle ratio, engine, cab size, bed length, transmission, and if it is 2WD or 4WD. You gave me enough information that I could look up the capacity and determine your towing capacity is either 12,850 lbs (manual transmission) or 13,050 lbs (automatic transmission).
With a short bed you'll need a sliding hitch and I recommend the Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with R16 Roller # 16516 for... view full answer...
Slider hitches can slide back towards the tailgate of the truck which allows for more clearance between the trailer and the truck cab when making turns. Short bed trucks pretty much require a slider for most 5th wheel towing applications because the distance between the centerline of the hitch and the back of the truck cab is so short.
If you have a long bed truck then you don't have to worry about clearance and you can use a fixed 5th wheel hitch. For your 2004 Dodge Ram 1500... view full answer...
For a 5th wheel trailer hitch, it really depends on what features you want and how much the trailer weighs. If you will be needing to use the bed when not towing the trailer and want an underbed mount, you would use # RP30074. Then you could use the B&W Companion hitch, 20K, # BWRVK3370.
If you want to go with above the bed rails and a hitch that is more economical, I recommend the Reese 16K, # RP30075, and installation kit # RP50140-58. I have included some instruction links... view full answer...
I would not go with a gooseneck hitch if you want to tow a 5th wheel trailer because then you would need an adapter and it just adds more cost and components to the set up. The flat bed is a good idea, you just need a hitch that can be installed on the flat bed.
For that the Reese low-profile hitch # RP30054 is the best option. It does require a custom installation but since you will be having the bed replaced any way it would not take much to perform the installation. I have... view full answer...
The Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs # C16115 fits the industry standard rails you mentioned with a foot print of 22 inches by 20.624 inches on center. I've attached the measurements of the industry standard rails like you appear to have to show the fit and the E16 will work.
If you just want the hitch head, the Replacement Head Unit for Curt E16 Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch # C16515 is available. view full answer...
Since your 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 is a short bed you will need a slider hitch to allow you to make tight turns. Since you will have to hitch up at an angle occasionally that means you won't be able to use an automatic sliding hitch.
The Curt A16 slider part number # C16521 with the custom install kit part # C16420-204 would be a great choice. Not too heavy and a solid choice for a hitch with a custom install rail kit.
The Reese 20k Slider hitch part # RP30083 is one of my favorite... view full answer...
The Reese fifth wheel hitch part # RP30047 is designed to install in the middle slots of a rail that are 20-1/2 inches apart on center left to right and 22 inches apart from one rail to the other.
I attached a picture that shows the dimensions of the industry standard fifth wheel rails. view full answer...
The Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider part # C16521 is the perfect option for a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 when used with the Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit part # C16420-204 which makes for no-drilling into the frame. I personally love the A16 because it has a secure dual jaw system which limits movement and an easy to remove head which saves your back.
I also recommend the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness part # C56071 to complete your setup. view full answer...
There is another B&W 5th wheel hitch available for the 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 short bed, but it utilizes above bed rails. This would be cumbersome to get access to your gooseneck if you ever want to, and it wouldn't have as low of a profile.
I recommend sticking with the Companion for yours, part # BWRVK3400-5W, since you already have the underbed kit installed. It can be easily removed to give you full bed access.
I've linked to a video review of this hitch for your consideration. view full answer...
How to reduce or eliminate the rattle or chucking as it's called will depend on your set-up. What hitch are you using, a fifth wheel hitch that holds onto the king pin at the front of the trailer or a gooseneck hitch that uses a trailer ball in the floor of the truck bed?
If you're using a fifth wheel hitch, you'll want to use a quality hitch that grabs the king pin tightly that doesn't allow the king pin to rattle around in the hitch jaws. A fifth wheel hitch that uses a slide... view full answer...
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