Best Option Gooseneck Hitch to 5th Wheel Trailer Connection For 2001 Ram 2500 and 2003 Actic Fox

Published 09/29/2017

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs

(4909)

$599.00

Extended Latch Pin Handle for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitch - 17"

(11)

$19.41

B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5563)

$1099.00

Question:

I am still confused. The trailer I am purchasing has a lippert 1116 already installed. I have complete wiring harness for gooseneck flatbed and horse trailer and a BW Turnover Ball hitch already in truck. So, specifically, I am trying to make a somewhat economically, yet smart decision based on BW Companion hooking to 1116 5th wheel pin trailer already has or going the Reese Air ride Coupler to my existing gooseneck ball. I realize now I should have included Lippert 1116 info for more accurate answer airborne + BW doesnt seem like it would work and would be more expensive. So, in a less winded question, am I right to assume Air ride coupler for Lippert 1116 will be better than BW Companion for my needs. Oops. One last comment, I have about ¾ mile mountain access road on my property thats not bad but has a bit of dippy, off camber terrain. thx.

asked by: Scott H

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2001 Ram 2500, the fact that you have the B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs # BWGNRK1394 is a great start. This is a great hitch and the Extended Latch Pin Handle for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitch - 17" # BWGNXA1800 will keep you from getting under the truck to release the hitch ball.

For your 5th wheel trailer you do have the option of the Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter - Lippert 1716 - 20,000 lbs # RP94716-61301 as long as you have that pin box. You also could use the # 5AB-E510-710 to replace your pin box and still use a 5th wheel hitch. Air Ride Suspension will give you a smoother ride in either case reducing longitudinal shock by around 60% and vertical shock by around 44%. If you have a different pin box, let me know and I'll see what is available.

For a 5th wheel hitch, I recommend the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs # BWRVK3500-5W. This hitch is able to be installed and removed in two parts. The head which weighs 74 lbs and the base which weighs 130 lbs.

The best option would be the air ride pin box with king pin used with the Companion hitch. I also suggest adding the in-bed wiring connection # HM42137.

Let me know if you have further questions.

expert reply by: Jason S

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Scott H.

9/29/2017

Jason S.

9/29/2017

Your most economical option is to go with the B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs # BWRVK3500-5W. You do not need to trade out your pin box on your trailer. If you really want to go to an air ride, then the Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter - Lippert 1716 - 16,000 lbs # RP94716-61301 is a great option to allow you to connect to your already installed gooseneck hitch. This will give you more cushion but is slightly more expensive. With only the slight cost difference, I personally would go with this for the air ride benefit with less jarring and chucking.