Recommended Fifth Wheel Hitch Installation Kit for 2015 Ram 2500 4WD 6 Foot Bed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Reese offers three different 5th wheel installation kits that are compatible with your 2015 Ram 2500. The Universal Kit part # RP30035 is a lower cost alternative, but because holes would need to be drilled into the truck frame, install would take longer than it would with a Custom Install Kit.

An outboard custom kit is available as part # RP50054-58. This kit uses fifth wheel bed rails that are longer, that allow the rails to connect to the bed brackets on the outboard side of the truck frame. This makes installation easier.

A standard custom kit, part # RP50054-58 is also available. This kit uses the standard length bed rails. If I had to choose between the three, I'd go with the # RP50054-58, it's a no-drill application (you'll need to drill down through the bed, but not into the frame members) and it's less expensive than the outboard rail install kit.

Due to your shorter bed length, you'll need to use a sliding hitch to ensure enough room between the fifth wheel trailer loft and the rear of your truck cab, otherwise the two would collide during sharp turns, causing damage. The hitch would remain slid forward during normal towing, but could be slid rearward during low-speed maneuvering to allow for more clearance between the truck cab and the 5th wheel.

Another option would be using a standard, non sliding hitch along with a Sidewinder replacement pin box. The Sidewinder relocates the pivot between the hitch and king pin rearward by 22 inches, allowing for a large amount of clearance. If you go this route, you wouldn't need to exit the truck cab to slide the hitch forwards and rearwards.

In order to determine which Sidewinder you need, you'll need to determine the manufacturer and the model number of your OEM pin box. This information can be found on a sticker somewhere on the pin box. The Sidewinder help article I'll link you to shows which Sidewinder models go with which OEM pin boxes.

To install a 7-way in your truck bed, you'll need the 7-way 5th wheel/gooseneck wiring harness, part # 50-97-410.

expert reply by: Mike L

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