Location of 5th Wheel Hitch on a 2055 Dodge Ram 2500 with 6-1/2 Bed

Updated 10/30/2018 | Published 10/29/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(40)

$407.42

Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug

(163)

$85.94

Reese Semi-Custom Base Rail and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Dodge Ram

(13)

$237.39

Reese Semi-Custom Base Rail and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Dodge Ram

(8)

$302.67

Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Round Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(396)

$849.84

Question:

Where do I position my fifth wheel hitch in my 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 short bed

asked by: John

Expert Reply:

The head unit of your 5th wheel hitch should sit above or slightly in front of the rear axle on your 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 6-1/2' bed. The exact location though will be determined by where your base rails sit.

We have a few different options of base rails with the difference being the difficulty of installation. With all of the kits the distance from the back of your cab to where the king pin sits will be about 36" which you can use to get an idea for where your hitch will sit.

If you don't already have a base rail kit then I recommend going with the Quick-Install Kit # RP50140-58 which minimizes drilling and will be the easiest to install. We also have the Semi-Custom Kit # RP30035-186 and the Universal Kit # RP30035-023 which are progressively more difficult to install but are more cost-effective options that accomplish the same goal.

If you don't already have a 5th wheel hitch then we have the Reese 16K Slider # RP30075. As it has 11" of travel for cab clearance on tight turns and the round rollers help make it travel much more smooth.

I also recommend installing a 7-Way in the bed of your truck like part # HM42137 to make connecting and disconnecting your trailer wiring easier.