Hitches

[rgreynolds]

Well, got a new Ram 3500 with the hitch prep in it. Only problem, the hitches are not available. Anyone else in this boat? I believe the gooseneck ball is available. Anyone convert their 5th wheel hitch to a gooseneck?

[Rondo]

Check with rames14 on that problem. He's in the same boat but has a hitch in his TV for towing. He's on his way home if not home already from the Central Plains Regional Rally!

[dieselguy]

You see gooseneck adaptors from time to time on fivers ... would I ever go that route ... NOPE. Our fiver frames just don't have the structure a regular gooseneck frame has.

[NCFischers]

I agree with Dieselguy. These trailers aren't built for goosenecks. Some people will tell you that they do it and never had problems but knowing how gooseneck trailers are built and comparing them to out trailers tells me not to do it.

[vangoes]

I've been doing some research on this issue because I was thinking of a new Dodge. So far what I have found out is that B & W is the only manufacturer that currently has custom hitch mounts for the new Dodge frame. But, if you have the factory 5th/gooseneck option it cannot be used either and currently Dodge does not have the rails for the factory option (big oops on their part). I have heard on another forum that the universal rail mounts for the in bed rails can be used (that's what I have on my truck now) but sometimes its hard to find hitch installers that will use them as they require a little more skill (measuring, drilling, time, etc.) to install. I'm going to confirm this later today with our local installers. I may delay any decision on a new Dodge for a while as I do not want the added expense of a $1,200+ hitch (B&W) when I already have a hitch

[vangoes]

I just received a response from Reese Hitch Customer service that they are told they should have the bed rails available for the 2500 and 3500 by the end of August

[billc1949]

quote:Originally posted by rgreynolds

Well, got a new Ram 3500 with the hitch prep in it. Only problem, the hitches are not available. Anyone else in this boat? I believe the gooseneck ball is available. Anyone convert their 5th wheel hitch to a gooseneck?

You should check with B&W, I had the same problem and bought their 18k Companion hitch. Their customer service is great and will answer any of your questions.

[DQDick]

Back to the original question. Yes people have converted to a gooseneck, no I wouldn't do it on a bet. The frame isn't built for the stress arriving on it that way. My guess would be that many of those who have done it without problems so far are local campers and not really putting a lot of miles on them.

[mikedesj]

It too am in this boat. I have purchased the B&W turnover ball set up designed for the new 2013 RAM 3500. I Have not yet bought the Companion Hitch yet. B&W has mad an adapter plate for their current hitch. They have a new design Companion Hitch coming out "soon" they say. They say it will be worth the wait. That is great but they are unwilling to even give a hint as to what soon is. As much as I hate the idea of the adapter plate I am unwilling to wait much longer. So the big question is, who out there has the 2013 3500 and is using the Companion Hitch with the adapter plate. Are there any issues with it. (Noise, movement etc.) I have sent additional emails to B&W and they have not answered them. I guess two emails is their limit.

[billc1949]

quote:Originally posted by mikedesj

It too am in this boat. I have purchased the B&W turnover ball set up designed for the new 2013 RAM 3500. I Have not yet bought the Companion Hitch yet. B&W has mad an adapter plate for their current hitch. They have a new design Companion Hitch coming out "soon" they say. They say it will be worth the wait. That is great but they are unwilling to even give a hint as to what soon is. As much as I hate the idea of the adapter plate I am unwilling to wait much longer. So the big question is, who out there has the 2013 3500 and is using the Companion Hitch with the adapter plate. Are there any issues with it. (Noise, movement etc.) I have sent additional emails to B&W and they have not answered them. I guess two emails is their limit.

Mike, sent you a PM