Installation of the Curt PowerRide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch On 2003 Dodge 3500

Updated 08/31/2021 | Published 08/30/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt PowerRide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 30,000 lbs

(160)

$1348.95

Curt X5 5th Wheel Base Rails Adapter for Curt Double Lock Gooseneck Trailer Hitches - 20,000 lbs

(278)

$749.95

Curt Semi-Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Dodge Ram 2500/3500 - Carbide Finish

(5)

$252.27

Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Dodge Ram - Carbide Finish

(141)

$306.87

Question:

I recently purchased a 2003 Dodge Ram 3500 DRW would like to use this fifth wheel hitch on it. What additional hardware will I need to purchase and modifications will I need to do for this to work with my vehicle? Thanks!

asked by: Brad L

Expert Reply:

The Curt PowerRide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, # C22ER mounts to your bed using bed rails such as the Curt Semi-Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Dodge Ram 2500/3500, # C16301-200. Or the Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Dodge Ram, # C16420-204. The attached image shows that you have a gooseneck hitch mounted although you do not identify what model, that may interfere with installation of the base rails I listed. Please note that the Curt PowerRide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, # C22ER is rated for 30K but there are no 30K base rails available. The items I listed are rated for 25K so that lower number will be your limitation not the rating of the hitch itself.

Another option is to use the gooseneck hitch itself with an adapter such as the Curt X5 5th Wheel Base Rails Adapter, # C16210. But you will need to identify what hitch you have installed to verify fitment of adapter. Again, though you will be limited by the rating of the rails, not the 5th wheel hitch.

expert reply by: Michael R