Choosing Between Gooseneck Setup and Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch on Ram 3500 Mega Cab Short Bed

Updated 03/12/2026 | Published 03/08/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box - Lippert Rhino - 30K GTW - 6.5K TW

(288)

$1999.95

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

(5276)

$1699.00

Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Pin Box - Lippert Rhino - 24K GTW - 4.5K TW

(288)

$1799.95

Question:

Hi, Im trying to decide between a 5th wheel slider hitch or a gooseneck ball hitch. I am worried if I went the gooseneck ball with 5” offset like from Gen Y, that I wouldn’t have enough turning clearance. I have a short bed mega cab ram 3500. Do you have any information with that setup? I also have a 22 forest river rogue armored toy hauler if that helps

asked by: Dallas P

Expert Reply:

Hey Dallas! What is your goal with your setup? If the best clearance is what matters, and you don't want to have to worry about figuring that out, a sliding 5th wheel hitch is a simple solution. For that I recommend the B&W Companion # BWRVK3670 (I'm assuming you have the prep package).

If you want to keep your bed clear, and use a shock absorbing gooseneck pin box like the Gen-Y # GY45GR you looked at, you will need to take some measurements. You can use the following formula:

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from the gooseneck ball center to the truck cab
B = Offset used (this would be 5 with the Gen-Y offset hitch)
C = Width of the nose of the trailer divided by 2

As long as you have at least 4" of clearance you will be able to make a 90 degree turn. You can also live with the lost clearance as long as you know your limitations. It looks like you do have a tapered nose so that will definitely help.

The Gen-Y # GY45GR is designed to replace a Lippert Rhino. If you know that is your bolt pattern, and your GVWR is 16,365 - 25,450 lbs, this will work as a replacement. If your GVWR is 7,275 - 16,360 lbs you need # GY33GR instead. If you have a different bolt pattern, or aren't sure, I can identify the right replacement if you send me the serial number off of the pin box sticker.

I'm pretty sure we're waiting on the new design for the Ram Gen-Y offset ball so we don't have any right now. You might be able to get it directly from Gen-Y if you need it.

You can add any of that additional information, or any other questions you have in the comments below.