Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch for 2012 Ram Mega Cab with Reese Elite/Ford Puck Pattern  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

Reese made the aftermarket puck system you are referring to and also created the puck system for Ford. The system you reference is called the Reese Elite Underbed # RP30074 and will be compatible with the Ford Prep Package hitches.

For the best towing experience, I recommend using the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Ford Super Duty Prep Package - 18K # DM8550024. This will fit in the pucks and also give you the automatic sliding to provide proper turning clearance for your trailer. This keeps you from getting out of the truck to make the manual adjustment so your hitch will slide to help with turns around gas pumps, etc. For a manual slider option, I recommend the Reese Elite Series Pre-Assembled 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider, Wiring Harness # RP30144 designed for that kit.

For air ride suspension, I recommend the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle # F2299 confirmed to fit your truck. These will work with the underbed rail kit and come with manual inflation valves. The springs can be run between 5 psi and 100 psi for load leveling and ride comfort. I do recommend using the tubing cutter # AL10530 for clean cuts so there is no air leak in the connections.

If you want to control the air in the springs from the comfort of your truck cab and also have the ability to change the pressure at any time, I recommend the Firestone Air Command I Compressor System with Analog Gauge and Heavy Duty Compressor - Single Path # F2097 or the dual path # F2219 for independent adjustment.

That is a lot of information, so let me know if you have further questions.

expert reply by: Jason S

1

Randy

6/20/2018

Reese made the aftermarket puck system you are referring to and also created the puck system for Ford. The system you reference is called the Reese Elite Underbed # RP30074 and will be compatible with the Ford Prep Package hitches. For the best towing experience, I recommend using the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Ford Super Duty Prep Package - 18K # DM8550024. This will fit in the pucks and also give you the automatic sliding to provide proper turning clearance for your trailer. This keeps you from getting out of the truck to make the manual adjustment so your hitch will slide to help with turns around gas pumps, etc. For a manual slider option, I recommend the Reese Elite Series Pre-Assembled 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider, Wiring Harness # RP30144 designed for that kit. For air ride suspension, I recommend the Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle # F2299 confirmed to fit your truck. These will work with the underbed rail kit and come with manual inflation valves. The springs can be run between 5 psi and 100 psi for load leveling and ride comfort. I do recommend using the tubing cutter # AL10530 for clean cuts so there is no air leak in the connections. If you want to control the air in the springs from the comfort of your truck cab and also have the ability to change the pressure at any time, I recommend the Firestone Air Command I Compressor System with Analog Gauge and Heavy Duty Compressor - Single Path # F2097 or the dual path # F2219 for independent adjustment. That is a lot of information, so let me know if you have further questions.

Jason S.

6/20/2018

My apologies on the air ride misunderstanding. For an air ride pin box, you will first need to determine what pin box you currently have on your trailer. The pin box should have a sticker with a number on it to help identify it as all pin box replacements are specific replacements based on bolt pattern location and weight capacity. I've linked the page to your options and have also attached an article to assist with measuring to determine pin box when the number on the box cannot be found. If you utilize the Demco Autoslide then there are capture plates for some pin boxes. For instance the standard 5th Airborne Pin boxes use # DM6026. When you determine your pin box number, I'll be happy to assist further to ensure you get the parts you need.

Randy

6/25/2018

No need to apologize.....it was my question that was not clear. The pin box is a Lippert 1621.

Jason S.

6/25/2018

For your 1621 pin box, I recommend the 5th Airborne Premium 5th Wheel Air Ride King Pin w/ Sidewinder and Turret - 16,000 lbs # RP61422 with a fixed mounted hitch like # RP30921 for the air ride and turning clearance. This will utilize a custom wedge # RP44FR and move the pivot point back 22 inches. I've attached a video to assist. The next best option is to use the Demco Autoslide # DM8550024 and the 5th Airborne Premium Fifth Wheel Air Ride Coupler - 16,000 lbs Capacity # 5AB-E1621-16K. Then use the capture plate # DM6026. This will automatically slide for your turning clearance and will also give you the air ride to give you a smoother ride when connected to your trailer.