Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch for 2011 Ram 3500 Short Bed Crew Cab with B&W Gooseneck Installed

Updated 12/27/2017 | Published 12/25/2017

Products Featured in This Question

4" Offset Ball for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitches

(390)

$175.54

Curt X5 5th Wheel Base Rails Adapter for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitches - 20,000 lbs

(285)

$749.95

Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System with Adapter - 24,000 lbs

(147)

$879.70

4" Offset Ball for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Dodge Ram 1500

(390)

$171.16

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

(645)

$1799.00

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

(645)

$1199.00

Question:

Can a BandW 4 inch offset turnover ball be used to give you more clearance to the cab. I have a Ram short bed crew. What are the pros and cons.Can the BandW 4inch offset ball be used with the Andersen ultimate 5th wheel connection hitch? This would give you additional cab clearance. What , if any concerns could there be? 2011 Ram 3500

asked by: Gene B

Expert Reply:

The B&W 4 inch offset ball # BWGNXA4085 or # BWGNXA4685 depending on your gooseneck hitch model will give you additional clearance when using a gooseneck trailer. When converting the gooseneck ball to a 5th wheel hitch, you cannot use the B&W 4 inch offset because you would be using an adapter to secure another moving adapter and it will simply allow too much movement for your application.

For a better option for security, I recommend using either the stationary # BWRVK3500 or the slider # BWRVK3400 which both connect directly to your B&W Gooseneck hitch. This is heavier than the Andersen hitch you mentioned but are also much better quality for 5th wheel towing and are able to be installed in sections. Since you have a short bed, I highly recommend the sliding hitch # BWRVK3400 for your 2011 Ram 3500 short bed crew cab.

If you are set on using a lighter hitch, then I recommend the Curt X5 5th Wheel Base Rails Adapter for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitches - 20,000 lbs # 16310 to give you a secure bed rail and then use the Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System with Adapter - 20,000 lbs # AM3200 which has the 4 point base to give you a secure connection.