5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Recommendation for a 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Short Bed

Updated 09/17/2012 | Published 09/13/2012

Products Featured in This Question

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

(396)

$790.20

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K

(5032)

$1699.00

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

(396)

$849.84

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

(40)

$407.42

Question:

Which product and or accessories would be best to equip my truck for 5th wheel hauling? 2004 1/2 Dodge Ram 2500 Short Bed

asked by: Duane M

Expert Reply:

For a 5th wheel trailer hitch, it really depends on what features you want and how much the trailer weighs. If you will be needing to use the bed when not towing the trailer and want an underbed mount, you would use # RP30074. Then you could use the B&W Companion hitch, 20K, # BWRVK3370.

If you want to go with above the bed rails and a hitch that is more economical, I recommend the Reese 16K, # RP30075, and installation kit # RP50140-58. I have included some instruction links for you. This hitch has dual jaws and a 4-Way pivoting head.

On a short bed truck you will need to have a slider hitch. Both hitches listed above are sliders. Round tube sliders have more travel which equates to more clearance between the truck cab and trailer for tight turns. I have included a link to all the hitch options for your truck.

There are also 3 different types of installation kits: universal, semi-custom, and custom. Both installation kits listed here are custom kits which are easiest to install and require less drilling and installation time overall.

expert reply by: Michael H