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New2road · 01-24-2023, 02:14 AM

Hello All,

2022 Ram 3500 8' bed/ 4x4/ Rear air suspension. No puck system.
5er- 2023 Alpine 3912/ 43' dry w 14600/ cargo cap 1900/ pin 3025

Looking to have fifth wheel hitch installed in truck. Looking at B&W options.

1st Option is to have rails installed in bed, use Patriot 18K hitch.
2nd Gooseneck turnover ball and use Companion 20 hitch.

Had strange conversation with one installer claiming trucks are built with "gooseneck plate" that prevents using rails in newer trucks?!?

Anyone running either setup have pro/ con suggestions?

Thanks

tuffr2 · 01-24-2023, 03:54 AM

I had a price of $1600 to have a hitch shop install a goose neck connection and B&W turn over ball in a F-250. That price included the B&W turn over ball. I did not have that done.

I checked with my local Ford dealer and I could buy the parts for the 5th wheel puck system - that was $600 and I would need to find a place to install it. I did not do this.
At this time it was $500 to have the option installed at the factory.

Having rails installed was about $600. Rails were used for a lot of years before the puck system was invented. I did not have this done either.

I had a 2012 F-450 that had the puck system. I thought it was a nice set-up. Easy to use and made a solid connection. I wish I had the puck system in my F-250. But the traditional 5th wheel hitch was heavy and clumsy to install/remove.

Now there are several new(ish) options to connect a 5th wheel to a truck. Most involve using a goose neck ball. Connections like the Anderson Ultimate hitch or using the Reese Goose Box on the 5th wheel.

I now have a short bed F-250. I bought this truck to tow a travel trailer. But when I look at RV's I gravitate to 5th wheels because they are easy to tow and have better floor plans.

Good luck

Rhagfo · 01-24-2023, 07:26 AM

I would buy the parts for the puck system and have it installed. Not sure I would want a two bedroom 43’ 5er with only a 1,900# carrying capacity.

BarryG20 · 01-24-2023, 07:56 AM

I went with the B&W gooseneck option. I need to be able to pull both types of trailers and I need an empty bed as well. So the B&W fit the bill. I have been using one for 20+ years and my existing companion hitch was able to transfer to the new truck no problem. I put it in myself was not that big of deal. A second set of hands would have been nice to install it but I got it.

I want/need a clear bed so no rails for me.

4x4ord · 01-24-2023, 08:55 AM

Have the Ram puck system installed. Or install it yourself.

CecilD · 01-24-2023, 10:05 AM

I owned a Patriot for a brief period and was never really comfortable with the way the head latched onto the uprights. I think the positive retention pins on the Companion are a better setup.

The rails have never bothered me although I don't use my truck as a gravel hauler. I have a BedRug so the rails are pretty much even with the top of the mat and things slide in and out easily.

The turnover ball system would give you more flexibility as to hitch placement as rails are fixed and only the hitch would allow fore/aft adjustment. Installing the hitch base on the rails would be easier as a torque wrench is not needed. No bed damage with the rails.

If considering having the RAM puck system installed, the corresponding hitch sprawls over much of the bed reducing carrying ability.

Garyp4951 · 01-25-2023, 09:22 AM

Do the 2nd option for sure.

TB673 · 01-25-2023, 11:36 PM

I've got the B&W Turnover Ball with an Anderson Ultimate Hitch.
Pleased with both, but if I decide to upgrade to a B&W Companion or a Hensley Trailer Saver, the truck is set to go.

Tim

tuffr2 · 01-29-2023, 11:23 AM

I am thinking the Anderson Ultimate hitch can be mounted to give an extra 4" or 6" behind the axles. This could save the cab of the truck.

TB673 · 01-29-2023, 12:05 PM

Just to elaborate on what tuffer2 said

The Anderson Ultimate Hitch itself has only 1 "suggested" mounting position in the truck.
It is the Kingpin Adapter that gives you the choices.
The adapter can be mounted in a Forward direction which puts the Kingpin 4" Behind the axle, whereas if you mount the adapter Rearward, it puts the Kingpin 4" in Front of the axle.

Tim

tuffr2 · 01-29-2023, 02:06 PM

Thanks for clarifying the Anderson Ultimate hitch..

Does anyone know the geometry in how much more you can turn with a 4" behind the rear axle. I am thinking it allows a significant improvement, like 5 additional degrees maybe.

novaman64 · 02-25-2023, 09:26 PM

I have a turnoverball (normally tow equipment trailers or livestock trailers). When I got my 5th wheel, I didnt wan to deal with moving a hitch in/out of the bed, so I replaced the pin box with a Reese Goosebox. Super happy with it.

xc-mark · 02-26-2023, 05:25 AM

I would install ISR rails and put a trailersaver air ride hitch in the bed. The differance in ride quality make it worth the extra money. very well built hitch. I have a BD5 mounted on a GM puck system.

Dieselguy4 · 02-26-2023, 09:50 AM

I have the B&W turnover ball with a companion. Outstanding set up. Easy to install. Drop the hitch in, slide the pin and tighten the pin bolt to 60 ft lbs and roll. It is easy to hook up and latch the pin. I have had a couple of emergency stops. Glad I had a good Hitch.