5th Wheel Hitch Options For A 2017 Ram 3500 With A Bradford Flatbed

Updated 01/25/2025 | Published 01/05/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 21,000 lbs

(722)

$2173.00

B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Flatbed Trucks - 30,000 lbs

(4555)

$249.00

B&W Companion Flatbed Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs

(591)

$999.00

Question:

2017 Ram 3500 megacab with a bradford flatbed. I’m trying to tow a 5th wheel toy hauler. outside of modifying the truck bed to an 8’ bed 11000. I have a pullrite super glide 5th wheel hitch. I’m looking at your gen y 5th wheel king pins. Do you all have a record of what folks use and are happy with ?

asked by: Joe Y

Expert Reply:

Hey Joe,

Does your Bradford flatbed have a recessed gooseneck hitch already installed or is it just the flat bed right now? If not, you're going to need to cut out space for a gooseneck hitch like the B&W # BWGNRK1500 to be installed. From there you would need a 5th wheel hitch that mounts to a gooseneck ball like B&W's flat bed hitch # BWRVK3050. The bed height for a flatbed is typically a lot higher than a standard bed so a shorter hitch is typically going to be required so that the trailer can tow level.

I recommend measuring your bed height and the height from the ground to the king pin plate of the pin box for the difference between them to determine if this is the case for your setup too. The SuperGlide is a great hitch but mounting it to the bed and the hitch height are factors that pretty much rule it out as a contender unfortunately.

As for changing the pin box, Gen-Y's torsion pin boxes are definitely an upgrade over the standard and provide a much more comfortable ride quality. To swap out your current pin box you'll need to first determine the bolt pattern. Typically there's a sticker somewhere on it that lists an RPO #, LCI Item #, and Serial # that we can use to look up the pattern. You'll also need to know your trailer's pin weight or GVWR to determine what capacity pin box you'll need.

Let me know what you think and we can keep discussing options for you.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Determining Hitch Height
(click to enlarge)

Gen-Y Pin Weight Chart
(click to enlarge)

Joe

1/7/2025

yes, its has the recessed goosebeck ball. The bradford is tapered at the end so im at 6.5'. I guess another question is, what would you recoemnd for someone who has a stock 2017 Ram 3500 megacab truck?

Kevin C.

1/7/2025

@Joe The wheelbase for a 6.5' bed is going to be shorter than an 8' bed so regardless you would have turning clearance issues. Even if you removed the bed and it was just the chassis the hitch would still need to be installed over the rear axle. If it was just the chassis you would be able to weld some base rails on and then use a 5th wheel hitch and rotating pin box for better turning clearance though. If it's not a B&W gooseneck hitch then I recommend the Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter for Recessed Ball # DM93YV instead of the # BWRVK3050.

Joe

1/7/2025

@KevinC got it. with those two recomendations, are any modifications required to my flatbed? or do they just affix to the gooseball? It dont think its a B&W because Bradford builds those gooseball into a frame and welds it into the bed

Kevin C.

1/7/2025

@Joe Yes, the Recon # DM93YV has a longer base to reach down and couple to your gooseneck hitch ball. Once it's coupled to the ball you'll need to slide in the coupler pin, making sure it goes under the ball. You'll then need to tighten down the coupler bolt and then the jam nut which will require a torque wrench. If you don't have one you can usually rent one for free from your local auto parts store or can purchase one from us # ALL944001.