Gooseneck Hitch Compatible with Firestone Ride Rite Suspension for 2001 Dodge Ram 3500 4X4 Dually

Updated 11/19/2014 | Published 11/17/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle

(3008)

$446.92

B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs

(4445)

$599.00

B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(580)

$1099.00

Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug

(163)

$85.94

Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System

(6311)

$398.07

Question:

I have a 2001 Dodge dually 3500 with 4x4. I have the firstone air bags on. Can you tell me which one of your products Gooseneck hitch I could install. Thats without removing the bags?

asked by: Daniel C

Expert Reply:

According to Firestone, the Ride Rite Air Spring Kits compatible with your truck would indeed prevent you from installing a fifth wheel or gooseneck hitch. The air spring assemblies install on the outboard side of the side of the truck frame, as would the frame mounting brackets for a gooseneck or fifth wheel hitch.

Your best bet would be to replace your existing air bags with a solution that mounts to the bottom of the frame members, replacing the factory bump stop like the Timbren # TDR3520. The Timbren Aeon spring system won't interfere with installing a gooseneck hitch, requires no air, it will become progressively stiffer as more weight is added to it. It's a perfect choice for vehicles towing a gooseneck trailer.

As for a Gooseneck hitch recommendation, I really like the B & W Turnover Ball, part # BWGNRK1394. In the future, if you need to tow a fifth wheel, the gooseneck hitch can be used as the mount for the B & W Companion 5th wheel hitch, part # BWRVK3500.

For installing a 7-way in the bed of your truck, I'd recommend the Hopkins # HM42137.

I've linked you to an FAQ article about Timbren Suspension products, as well as a product demonstration video about the B & W Turnover Ball Gooseneck Hitch and an installation video for the 7-way wiring.