Can Curt X5 Adapter for B&W Gooseneck Use Auto-Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch for 2012 Ram 2500 Short Bed

Updated 09/03/2020 | Published 09/01/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(283)

$749.95

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs

(741)

$1795.00

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

(741)

$2173.00

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

(2)

$326.95

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

(78)

$118.88

Question:

I just bought a 2012 Ram 2500 diesel with a short bed. Theres a B&W gooseneck currently installed. I am new to towing a 5th wheel and would prefer an auto-sliding hitch so I reduce the risk of damaging my truck when turning. I read in the description that this 16310 adapter cannot be used with auto-sliding hitches. Is there something similar that will? Or am I better off removing/abandoning the gooseneck and installing rails specifically for a 5th wheel?

asked by: Cecily M

Expert Reply:

You are correct that the Curt X5 5th Wheel Base Rails Adapter for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitches # 16310 is not compatible with auto-sliding 5th wheel hitches as it puts too much stress on the adapter.

For a sliding 5th wheel hitch, the Demco Hijacker, what you'll need to do is remove the gooseneck and install base rails on your 2012 Ram 2500. The correct parts are the following:

- Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Semi-Custom Install Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches # DM8552015-71

- Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Slider - 18,000 lbs # DM8550034 or 21,000 lbs # DM8550035

This will give you a hitch with 14 inches of travel, which is the most available for your truck, and the ultimate in convenience as well because you never have to leave your Ram in order to activate the slider when making a tight turn. This is one of the best hitches on the market and perfect for what you are looking to do.

The only other thing you'll need if you don't have one is a 5th wheel wiring harness, and the correct fit for your 2012 Ram 2500 is the Demco 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness # DM8555002.