Options For Using A Reese 5th Wheel Hitch On A 2017 Ram 3500 With CM Flat Bed Installed
Published 10/27/2026
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Question:
I have a 2017 Ram 3500. The bed has been removed and replaced with a CM flat bed with a goose neck pocket. I have an older Reese 5th wheel in the barn that I would like to attach. I left the frame mounts on our 96 F250 in case we ever want to put it back on. I am not sure if the CM truck bed sets higher on the trucks frame or not. I can send pics if that helps. Is there Ram specific mounts for the Reese 5th wheel? The F250 just had a set of beefy L brackets that are bolted onto the from with one bolt. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
asked by: Kevin C
Expert Reply:
Hi Kevin!
Having a CM flat bed was installed on your 2017 Ram 3500, you will need to start with the B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Flatbed Trucks - 30,000 lbs # BWGNRK1500. This can be made to fit any flat bed, but it will require customization to fit properly. This install will be fairly difficult, but it is the best option.
From there, there is a chance you can use something like the Curt X5 5th Wheel Base Rails Adapter for B&W Turnoverball Gooseneck Trailer Hitches - 20,000 lbs # 16310, which your Reese 5th wheel hitch will fit. The only thing here is your CM flatbed cannot sit higher than the original bed. I'm pretty sure they do sit higher though, but you will need to measure to be sure. If it is higher than the standard/OEM bed, this isn't going to work, unfortunately.
In that case, there really isn't going to be a way to use your Reese 5th wheel hitch on your Ram. That doesn't mean you can't pull a 5th wheel trailer though. You would need to install one of the previously mentioned gooseneck hitches and then use something like the Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter - 12" to 16" Tall - 20,000 lbs # CAB-C5G. This attaches directly to the king pin on your trailer and then would couple to the gooseneck ball. I think this is going to be the way you will need to go.
What kind of 5th wheel are you wanting to tow?
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch for Flatbed Trucks - 30,000 lbs
- Gooseneck Hitch
- Below the Bed
- Flip-Over Ball
- 7500 lbs TW
- 30000 lbs GTW
- Wheel Well Release
- Spring-Loaded Loop
- B and W
more information >
Kevin C.
10/27/2026
Okay thank you. I read that these do not set at the proper angle and are not good to use. I have also read that a lot people use them with no issue.