2013 Towing Prep

[Fear This: Cummins!!]

I am looking to order a '13 3500 dually. I am wondering if the few trucks that are out there would please comment if the factory Fifth wheel/Gooseneck towing package is worth it, or just skip it and go after market. I am hearing it is difficult to find either a Fifth wheel adapter or a Gooseneck ball for the factory package. Any other comments would be appreciated. Also, is there a difference between the ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera on the Laramie and the $325 option for (Light, CHMSL w/Camera) I think it is 1 in the same. One last question. Can someone post pics (or a link) of the 2 different running board option from the factory. (Side Steps, Mopar Chrome Tubular vs. Side Steps, Wheel to Wheel).

Thanks in advance, Jared

 

[mwilson]

I am looking to order a '13 3500 dually. I am wondering if the few trucks that are out there would please comment if the factory Fifth wheel/Gooseneck towing package is worth it, or just skip it and go after market. I am hearing it is difficult to find either a Fifth wheel adapter or a Gooseneck ball for the factory package. Any other comments would be appreciated. Also, is there a difference between the ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera on the Laramie and the $325 option for (Light, CHMSL w/Camera) I think it is 1 in the same. One last question. Can someone post pics (or a link) of the 2 different running board option from the factory. (Side Steps, Mopar Chrome Tubular vs. Side Steps, Wheel to Wheel).

Thanks in advance, Jared

To answer your first question I would order the factory package. I believe that the hitch units are just hitting the market. I think that it includes the light plug in the bed and a few other trinkets as well. More will add to this, I'm sure.



Second question. .

They are two separate cameras. It was explained to me in Columbus as follows...



If you order both the CHMSL and parkview cameras this is what happens. The truck gets a different rear-view mirror on the windshield.

The display for the parkview camera will appear in the rear view mirror when truck is put in reverse. That camera is located in the surround for the tailgate release handle.

The display for the CHMSL camera will be in the radio and I'm pretty sure that it needs one with an 8" screen to have the CHMSL option. The CHMSL camera will be located in the third brake light so you will be able to view the fifth wheel hitch when hooking up.

There is talking of integrating the two displays but that is in the future.



Third question. .



I have the Mopar tube steps on the '06 and have no complaints. Very strong.



Mike.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Check out both types of steps. My wife much prefers the wheel-to-wheel oval steps, and I think they look better. However, since they run wheel-to-wheel, they are not available on dually Rams.

All of the 2013 3500 frames have the pockets welded to the siderails for the 5th wheel mounts, and have the crossmember for the gooseneck mount. The preparation package includes the inserts, punched holes in the bed with rubber plugs, and the 7 blade connector in the bed. I believe it is worth the money and will be a stronger setup than a completely aftermarket hitch. Furthermore, I would strongly recommend against having Bubba at the hitch shop weld on the high strength, 50,000 psi, steel frame. The 2013 2500 frame does not have the pockets welded in for the fifth wheel hitch pads unless you order the package.

 

[Simplysmn]

Hand's Down you will love the Amp step's they are Easy to self install and work Great and tuck out of the way when going down road . well worth every dime it cost for them .

 

[Gonzo 1066]

We just bought a 13 with the tow prep package, great idea hitch already in place, plug in the bed. HOWEVER MOPAR has a 6 month back order on the GN ball assembly at present date. I do not know about the 5th wheel kit. I did not know about the backorder untell after we pruchased the truck. . I had to make my own Goose neck ball. .

 

[tron1959]

Gonzo what rear end ratio did you get? What transmission? Is it the high output engine. I was browsing the inventory at Dave Smith motors online. They have 17 pages of 3500's. It seems they are all 4X4. I didn't see any RWD's listed.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

Got a 3. 42 rear and am very happy with it. I got the truck in Everett Wa from Dwayne Lane. About the same $$ as Smith and much closer.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Got a 3. 42 rear and am very happy with it. I got the truck in Everett Wa from Dwayne Lane. About the same $$ as Smith and much closer.

All it takes is to mention Dave Smith Motors and they will start making deals.

 

[KL7J]

Check out both types of steps. My wife much prefers the wheel-to-wheel oval steps, and I think they look better. However, since they run wheel-to-wheel, they are not available on dually Rams.

All of the 2013 3500 frames have the pockets welded to the siderails for the 5th wheel mounts, and have the crossmember for the gooseneck mount. The preparation package includes the inserts, punched holes in the bed with rubber plugs, and the 7 blade connector in the bed. I believe it is worth the money and will be a stronger setup than a completely aftermarket hitch. Furthermore, I would strongly recommend against having Bubba at the hitch shop weld on the high strength, 50,000 psi, steel frame. The 2013 2500 frame does not have the pockets welded in for the fifth wheel hitch pads unless you order the package.

"All of the 2013 3500 frames have the pockets welded to the siderails for the 5th wheel mounts,... "



Does this then apply to SRW 3500 models so they can take the below bed mounts?

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Yes, every 3500 has the frame pockets above the rail and just below the bed. The pockets take the castings that are part of the hitch package. That package also includes the 7 blade connector in the bed, and punched holes in the floor of the bed with plastic caps in them. I suspect the aftermarket will soon have fifth wheel hitch packages for those 3500s that do not have the factory hitch prep, as well as kits that plug into the factory castings for the trucks that have the optional hitch prep package. You can easily see these welded on pockets, at least the sides of them which go all the way down the outsides of the rails and are welded to the sides of the frame rails. In contrast, the 2013 2500 frame is smooth along the outside in front of and behind the axle. For example, B&W already has a gooseneck kit that uses the factory cross member and does not need or use the bolt-in casting for the gooseneck ball that is part of the prep package.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

Here is a photo of the 3500 frame with the "pockets" for the fifth wheel cast inserts.

 

[jimmyt5]

B&W Companion hitch will work on your truck, they just came out with an upgrade for RAM trucks and they are free if you get the 3000 hitch.

 

[Fear This: Cummins!!]

I'm a little confused, you mean B&W has a ball that will drop down in the factory prep package hole?

 

[Fear This: Cummins!!]

Anyone have an update on the Factory prep gooseneck ball availability or compatibility with another companies product? The '13 will be here August 8th.

 

[jimmyt5]

I'm a little confused, you mean B&W has a ball that will drop down in the factory prep package hole?

You get a 3000 companion hitch, they have the plates that fit the truck bed.
http://www.turnoverball.com/sites/default/files/rvxa3120_06_24_2013.pdf

 

[Gonzo 1066]

So far I am very impressed with the factory Gooseneck hitch. Tough, no flex,twist,creak or groan. The trailer feels as though it is part of the truck.

 

[Powder Extreme]

How well is the B & W working in the 3500's as a gooseneck and / or a 5th wheel?
Is the aforementioned upgrade to the companion simply wider feet to keep from bending the bed?

 

[AClayton]

If you buy a rail kit... ... I bought one that was designed for a 2012 or earlier and it fit. All frame mounts but the rear driver's side fit without issue. I removed the shock and inner fenderwell on d-side and slightly modified the frame support bracket to clearance the new frame's shock mount. The nut on the bottom was a little tough to reach from underneath but doable if you're patient. My guess is that when Reese designs the 2013 kit, the frame support in question will simply bolt to the top of the frame shock mount... . again, this is just a guess. I am no engineer.

 

[MCSloan]

Can anyone tell me the part number of the picture frame adapter for installing 5th wheel hitch in a 2013 Ram 3500

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

82213667, includes the tie-downs going to the factory under-bed parts. retail $575

http://moparonlineparts.com/oemparts/82213667 for $496

http://www.hendrickmoparparts.com/OEMParts/dodge-120/8/82213667.html for $475