Will Andersen Ultimate Allow a 90 Degree Turn When Towing with a 2017 Ram 2500 6-1/2 Bed

Published 10/23/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System with Adapter - 20,000 lbs

(125)

$859.61

Demco 5th Wheel Rail Adapter for Ram OEM 5th Wheel Towing Prep Package - 25,000 lbs

(181)

$689.00

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 21,000 lbs

(735)

$2173.00

Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches

(23)

$424.62

Demco 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug - 10' Long

(77)

$120.27

Question:

I have a gooseneck in my bed,I want to put in the Andersen Ultimate gooseneck hitch

asked by: Anthony

Expert Reply:

The Andersen Ultimate Connection # AM3200 has a 9" offset. I am not sure if it will allow you to make 90 degree turns with your 2017 Ram 2500 6-1/2' bed but this can simply be determined by measuring from the back of your cab to the middle of the space in-between your base rails (or the pucks). Once you know that simply add 9" for the offset and the subtract half of the width of your trailer. The formula looks likes this:

(A + B) - C = Clearance

A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw (center of rails/pucks) to truck cab
B = Length of offset
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)

You need at least 4" of clearance to be able to make a 90 degree turn.

If your clearance isn't at least 4" then you need to use a sliding 5th wheel hitch to make 90 degree turns.

Since it looks like you are wanting a towing product for its ease-of-use I recommend using the autosliding Demco Hijacker # DM8550035 which is rated for 21K. This allows you to hook up to your trailer and then remain in the comfort of your cab until it is time to unhook from the trailer at your destination. This sliding hitch gives you 14" of turning clearance.

If you have the puck system on your Ram then you will need the adapter # DM6099 but if you don't have the pucks you will need the standard base rails # DM8552025-71. I have attached some review videos that you can check out.

I also recommend installing the Demco # DM8555002 to make connecting and disconnecting your trailer much easier if you don't already have a 7-Way in the bed of your pickup.

expert reply by: Jon G

Anthony T.

10/23/2018

I have a gooseneck in my bed,I want to put in the Andersen Ultimate gooseneck hitch

Jon G.

10/23/2018

We currently don't carry the gooseneck version of the Anderson Ultimate but Anderson says that it has about an 8"- 9" offset as well so the formula mentioned above, and alternate solution, is still applicable. I'm guessing since you say you have the gooseneck ball that means you have the puck system. This means the Hijacker # DM8550035 and adapter # DM6099 is what you will need if you don't have enough cab clearance.