Fifth Wheel Hitch and Rail Kit Recommendation for a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Long Bed
Updated 04/27/2015 | Published 04/25/2015
Question:
I have a 2004 Dodge RAM 2500 SLT with 4-wheel drive, Cummins 5.9 liter diesel, and 8-foot bed. I am purchasing a Keystone Montana 3160RL 5th wheel RV trailer, and I need to get a 5th wheel hitch for the bed of the truck. Ive been looking at the various brands and models, trying to decide on what to buy, and I notice that they height varies from one to another. What is the ideal height? Im guessing that since I have 4 wheel drive and the truck sits kind of high to begin with, I might need a shorter hitch, or does that matter at all? The RV specs are: Shipping Weight 11585 Carrying Capacity 4415 Hitch 2535 So I guess I need a hitch rated for 16000 pounds, right? Which product would you recommend for this case? Also, I notice that some of the rail kits do not require drilling in the frame, and that the installation time on these is less. So even though they are more expensive, the reduced installation time might make up the cost if Im paying someone to install it. Do you agree? Do you recommend installers or am I on my own to find one? I live in Tigard, Oregon, which is just south of Portland. Can you recommend anyone in that area?
asked by: Bob M
Expert Reply:
Let's first start with an install kit for the fifth wheel rails for your 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 long bed. For that you would want a custom install kit like the # RP50140-58 as it will minimize drilling and install time significantly. I attached a install video for you to check out. If you have basic tools and mechanical skills this shouldn't take you long at all to install. Otherwise any trustworthy shop in your area should be able to handle the install easily.
For a 16k hitch I would recommend the Reese part # RP30047. This has a great jaw design that will provide great contact with the king pin to minimize noise and movement while towing. The optimum height for the fifth wheel hitch depends on the height of the bed of your truck and the height of the pin box on the trailer. This hitch has an adjustable height range of 14-1/2 inches to 18 inches which should be enough.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: reese 5th wheel hitch rails
- Search Results: curt 5th wheel hitch rails
- Search Results: 5th wheel gooseneck adapter
- Search Results: gooseneck hitch to inverted gooseneck trailer 5th wheel gooseneck adap
- Search Results: curt 16055
- Search Results: gooseneck coupler
- Video: What to Know About the B and W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ram
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Shop: B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: Curt X5 5th-Wheel Base Rail Adapter Plate for EZr Double Lock Gooseneck Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ram - Glossy Black
- Shop: Curt Spyder Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Fifth Wheel Rails - 30,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt Spyder Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Fifth Wheel Rails, 25,000 lbs GTW
- Shop: B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Video: B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch Manufacturer Breakdown
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Comparing Kenda KR03, KR35, And KR53 Tires
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
on 5th Wheel Hitch
