Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch for a 2020 Ram 2500 short bed without the OEM puck system

Updated 05/15/2026 | Published 05/14/2026

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Companion Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Turnoverball for Ram - Dual Jaw - 20K

(5394)

$2198.00

Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 10' Long

(256)

$137.95

Question:

I am determining the hitch system will work before purchasing the hitch system but most importantly the new 5th wheel. Can you guide me please? I do know there is an expert Redmond Oregon installer for the hitch. The RV is a 2026 Grand Design Momentum 325G with the standard Root-Flex Pin Box. The Truck is a 2020 Ram 2500HD Crewcab Standard Bed Bighorn Diesel with Fox suspension 2inch lift, 295/70x18 E Rated Tires and Firestone Airbags. No air in the bags the bed is slightly angled to back so it will squat to level about a 1.5-2inch . Bed height no air in bags is 40inch at rear of bed. with top of bed rail height in middle at 60 5/8. 1 I need the hitch to be removable thus this combination which my neighbor has for his from you on GMC. 2 Will this hitch work with my slightly higher Ram and this 5th wheel and pin option? Will it clear the cab and tail gate and bed sides? 3 I want to ensure I can tow this 5th wheel with tail gate on. 4 I think the slider model either needs a lock point or I need to tail gate when/if slider is used. Which model do you recommend for my setup? 5 Based on answers can you provide the full parts order I need including wiring? 6 Any other suggestions for this setup? 7 Last - do you also have a storage area sliding tray option for this 5th wheel pass through? I have a great one way on my ORV Trail 27TRX. Ill also be upgrading all kinds of other stuff from you guys as I know. Photo is of Truck and current trailer for truck context. Thanks much!

asked by: Douglas G

2020 Ram 2500 and Trailer
(click to enlarge)

Expert Reply:

Douglas thanks for the photos and the details really helped.

For your 2020 Ram 2500 short bed without the OEM puck system, I recommend this setup:

B&W Companion Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Turnoverball for Ram # BW28QR

This gives you a removable hitch, leaves the bed clean when removed, and provides 12" of slider travel for cab clearance. It is rated for 20,000 lbs GTW and 5,000 lbs vertical load, which is within the 2026 Momentum 325G’s listed 18,000 lb GVWR.

Because your truck is lifted and the bed rail height is 60-5/8", I cannot guarantee tailgate clearance without the trailer’s king pin plate height when level. Ideally, you want about 6" of clearance between the truck bed rails and the underside of the trailer overhang while the trailer is level. The B&W slider adjusts from 17" to 19" tall.

The 2026 Momentum 325G has a fairly tall front cap design compared to many fifth wheels, which generally helps with bed rail clearance on slightly lifted trucks like yours. Your current trailer also appears to tow fairly level already, which is a good sign.

For in-bed wiring, I’d add the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 7-Way Harness # C56000

For the pass-through storage tray, yes, we carry MORryde RV cargo slide trays. The correct one depends on the compartment width/depth, those measurements will get you the right tray.

My biggest suggestions are:

Have the installer verify trailer level height and bed rail clearance before purchase.
Use the slider model rather than a fixed hitch since you have a short bed Ram.

I see you have bikes in the bed of the truck, are you planning to carry those along with the new Momentum?

expert reply by: James D

Douglas G.

5/15/2026

Thanks James! When you say to have the installer measure the 5th wheel level height first - am I assuming correct that the adjustable height of this hitch at 17-19” is the height the hitch can be adjusted to for the top of pin rest? Thus the correct measurement of the hitch height plus the truck bed to ground might be as an example 56i inches? If that is correct I can measure the height of the Momentum 325g on the lot. Verify fit to truck/hitch when adjusted, and be easy to p buy-purchase, and have installed local to drive and pickup 5th wheel. The picture - the hitch setting for the current 27TRX trailer is actually only dropped 2” from top of ball plate to top of the receiver. Yes, I carry a Side by Side and bikes - which will go inside the 5th wheel.

James D.

5/15/2026

@DouglasG you're understanding it correctly. The 17" to 19" height adjustment on the B&W Companion Slider is measured from the top of the truck bed up to the top surface of the hitch head where the king pin plate rides. So in your example: If your bed height is approximately 40" from ground to bed floor Plus an 18" hitch height setting That would place the king pin connection point around 58" from the ground Nice, that will keep the bikes protected and secure.