Can Base Rails on 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Be MOved Back for Short Bed Clearance

Updated 06/19/2023 | Published 06/07/2023

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10 Bolt

(131)

$198.84

Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Dodge Ram 1500 - Carbide Finish

(7)

$500.00

Question:

I have a 2004 ram 1500 5.7 hemi. It states i can tow up to 11500 so I have a 27 foot Fleetwood Prowler 1999 i purchased and need to pick it up. My bed is 6 foot and need to know basically where to align my hitch in the bed to have good enough clearance..i have a Reece hitch but doesnt slide If you can help Id appreciate it Thanks

asked by: Cliff

Expert Reply:

When installing a base rail kit for 5th wheel towing there are specific places the brackets need to go, which can be found in the installation instructions. If you don't already have base rails I recommend checking out the following:

- Universal # BWRVR3200
- Custom # C16419-204

The universal rails are less expensive but they do require drilling into your vehicle frame, whereas the custom brackets bolt right up to existing holes so the installation is much less labor intensive. I recommend using the custom kit.

The king pin is going to sit relatively close to right over the axle no matter what kit you go with so you will need a sliding hitch in order to have enough turning clearance with your 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 with the 6-1/2' bed, and for that I recommend the 16K Reese # RP30051 5th wheel hitch since it's a bit more basic but it does have a dual jaw system so you'll get decent ride quality without having to pay top dollar for a new hitch.

expert reply by: Jon G