B&W Slide Hitch or 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter For 2011 Ram 2500  

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Expert Reply:

What I think I understand is that you have a 2011 Ram 2500 with, presumably, a short bed and want to know if using a slide type 5th wheel hitch, such as the B&W is better than converting to a gooseneck hitch using one of the Convert-a-Ball options.

If the trailer you will be hauling has a typical king pin, fixed pin box, then I suggest the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider, # BWRVK3270 installed in to your 2011 Ram using the B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails, # BWRVK2600. This base rail kit will fit either 6' or 8' beds. The built-in slider on this sturdy 5th-wheel hitch helps eliminate clearance concerns during slow-speed turns.

If your Ram truck already has gooseneck hitch installed then yes, considering the Ranch Hitch Universal 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Coupler Adapter w/8" Offset for Short-Bed Trucks, # AM3139 is a very cost effective solution. This is an adapter that converts a 5th-wheel trailer king pin to be used with a gooseneck coupler allowing for 5th-wheel RV's to be towed with a gooseneck hitch. Using a Gooseneck Coupler Adapter with an offset serves the same purpose as a slide type 5th wheel hitch, it helps to provide added clearance between the RV and the cab of tow vehicle. However, as functional as this type of a setup is, it will not provide as smooth of a ride as using the B&W 5th wheel hitch.

By design, the 5th wheel hitch simply provides smoother, more stable towing compared to gooseneck set-up. While a 5th wheel hitch may consist of more components and an overall bulkier and heavier design, this type of hitch is selected for recreational use for a reason.

expert reply by: Michael R

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