Lighter 5th Wheel Hitch for a Ram 2500 w/ a 6-1/2' Bed and the Factory Puck System

Updated 06/23/2025 | Published 06/22/2025

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider for Ram Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K

(5315)

$1699.00

Andersen Aluminum Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection 2 Gooseneck version

(124)

$1099.98

B&W 5th Wheel Lifting Device for Companion and Patriot Hitches

(399)

$38.00

Demco Recon 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Ram Prep Package - 21K

(105)

$1525.00

Question:

I have a Ram 2500 Diesel 6.5 box with OEM 4 post RV mounts. I currently have the B&W slider hitch. My problem is I cannot get the hitch out when not in use. It is too heavy, even with two people. Yes, we took off the top! I am looking for an alternative for my Artic Fox 5th wheel with the king pin. A setup that allows me to remove the entire hitch as I also tow a heavy boat on a standard hitch. Thanks for your answer

asked by: James

Expert Reply:

Hey James, welcome back. That B&W item # BWRVK3670 is super reliable but you are not the only one who's had issues with how heavy it is. Love how you have already attempted our go to solution of taking off the lightest portion of the hitch. I have a couple of options for a replacement though.

The first is if you want to retain the slider function. It's the Demco Recon 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw item # DM57YV. This hitch also mounts in your puck system and weighs 233 lbs. This is by far our lightest slider but you're not really gaining much.

The second option is by far our lightest 5th wheel hitch. It's the Andersen Aluminum Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection 2 Gooseneck version item # 3220. This aluminum hitch is going to attach to your Ram's puck system's gooseneck ball instead of the 4 side posts. It weighs only 35 lbs and has a 24,000 lbs capacity. This disadvantage of switching to this 5th wheel hitch is that you are going to lose quite a bit of turning clearance. The Anderson item # 3220 has 4" of offset which pushes the connection point back towards your tailgate but you'll have 8" less turning clearance than your B&W Slider item # BWRVK3670 has.

Do you have a set up where you can install a pully or winch? We do have the B&W 5th Wheel Lifting Device for Companion item # BWRVXA3130. This attaches to the Companion item # BWRVK3670 jaws and allows you to lift it out of your bed.

expert reply by: Jerred H

Jim

6/23/2025

Jerred: Thank you for the quick reply! My local hitch guy showed me an Anderson Aluminum that was bent! He said the guy hit a pot hole & one of the main support structures bent. He said Anderson replaced no questions asked - which said indicated this happens a lot! I plan to pull my 5th wheel all around the country so pass on that one! Couple of follow up question: 1. The Remco slider system, how much does the base weigh without the top hitch (that is if it separates like the B&W)? 2.

Jerred H.

6/23/2025

@Jim You're welcome! That logic makes complete sense to me. Some people swear by the Andersons but we do hear quite a bit of stories like that. The item # 3220 is the new generation but it's still made of aluminum. The base of the Demco Recon 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider item # DM57YV weighs right at 180 lbs.

Jim

6/23/2025

The second question was: I never use the slider of the B&W hitch. I believe I can go without it. Is there a good option without the slider that will still allow me to lift it out?

Jerred H.

6/23/2025

@Jim There sure is! The PullRite OEX Super 5th-Wheel Hitch item # PUL29ZR is going to mount directly to your factory puck systems. It weighs only 158 lbs and the 42 lbs head is removable. This hitch has no offset or sliding function so it will not help you out at all with turning clearance.