Demco Recon 5th Wheel To Gooseneck Does Not Require Safety Chains

Question:

I have a 2014 3500 RAM 8ft bed with OEM gooseneck system. It has the center hole for the ball and 2 pucksinch towards back of box for safety chains. Does not have all 4 pucks plus the center ball. I am looking for the measurement of the base from the ball going towards the back of the bed as well as the width as I would also still like to use the safety chains with this hitch. My worry is that the base with cover the safety chain pucks that are already there.

asked by: Jack R

Expert Reply:

To answer your initial question, the base is 22" square, so the measurement from the ball center to the back edge nearest the cab is 11-1/2 inches. Additional, the flat metal at the back of the hitch nearest the cab is 2-3/4 inches wide. I have attached a drawing with these measurements on it. Chance are good that this frame will cover your old gooseneck safety chain points.

However, with the Recon installed, you will be towing 5th Wheel trailers that do not require safety chains. If you drive around a dealership lot you will not find chains on new fifth wheels. My contact at Demco had some concerns about hanging chains potential snagging your hitch in some way.

I would not recommend using the chains.

expert reply by: Les D