Recommended Gooseneck Hitch For 1997 Dodge Ram 2500 W/ 8 Bed

Updated 04/28/2021 | Published 04/26/2021

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs

(4445)

$599.00

B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(580)

$1099.00

Question:

I want to get a gooseneck hitch for my 1997 full bed Dodge Ram 2500 pick up. What is the difference between a fifth wheel hitch and a gooseneck hitch? Are the ball sizes standard? Ive never hauled with an LQ horse trailer, but I think this is the right piece. A local installation company gave me a part number from the BandW brand as #1394. They are scheduled out too far for my needs, so I found another person to do the job, but I want to make sure the part is the right one! Thank you.

asked by: Berit M

Expert Reply:

The difference between a 5th wheel hitch and gooseneck hitch is a 5th wheel hitch is typically attached to above bed rails, and uses an actual hitch to connect to the king pin of a 5th wheel trailer, where a gooseneck hitch typically has a 2-5/16" ball that gets connect to the coupler on your gooseneck trailer.

If you are planning on only towing your gooseneck trailer with your 1997 Ram 2500 with an 8' bed and have no plans on towing a 5th wheel trailer regularly the B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs # BWGNRK1394 is a great choice that is confirmed to fit your truck.

If you do decide to also get a 5th wheel trailer you can add the # BWRVK3500 which will convert your gooseneck hitch into a 5th wheel hitch.

I included a videos of the products mentioned for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Samuel C