5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Install Kit for a 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 Diesel

Updated 06/07/2013 | Published 06/06/2013

Question:

2012 ram crew cab 3500 4wd long bed st pickup D2 8L92 SRW 6.7L 24V turbo diesel ETJ trans type: A6 transmission: 68RFE 6sp AUTO DG7 What is your 5th wheel kit for this trucks max capicity for future towing needs? Axle Ratio: 3.73 GVWR: 10,100 Payload: 2,700 Base Weight: 7,396 Base Wt. front: 4,642 Base Wt. rear: 2,754 GAWR front: 5,500 GAWR rear: 6,200 GCWR: 21,000 Max trailer: 13,450 5th wheel- 1999 Sunnybrook M-33RKFS Length: 34 Width: 8 2 axles Dry weight: 8178 GVWR: 13,000

asked by: Brody

Expert Reply:

An awesome truck like your 2012 Ram 3500 deserves an equally awesome trailer hitch. What I recommend is the Reese Elite Series installation kit and 5th wheel hitch. The kit is # RP30074 and the benefit is that most of the kit will be below the truck bed so when the hitch is not being used you still have the complete use of the bed.

For a hitch take a look at the Reese M5 Series 20K # RP30921. The hitch is rated higher than the stated capacity of the truck as you have indicated so it will be good for the trailer you plan to tow. This hitch features a 4-way pivoting head, wide funnel, and a single jaw that wraps around the king pin for maximum contact. The hitch also includes an in-bed wiring harness. I have linked a video review of this hitch for you.

If the M5 Series is not your cup of tea then I recommend a standard, but custom fit, isntallation kit # RP50140-58. This kit has the above the bed rails that the hitch fits in. For a hitch I recommend the Reese 16K # RP30047. This hitch is one of the most popular hitches that Reese has put out. It has a 4-Way pivoting head and dual jaw design. I have linked a video review of this hitch as well.

And I have included some links to videos showing typical installations for you.

expert reply by: Michael H