Question on fifth wheel prep 2013

[jgillott]

Yes, they appear to have really done their homework in a lot of areas. That in bed plug was one of the few things I liked about the Silverado work truck I used to have.

 

[BILLUA]

What did you not like about the Curt fifthwheel adapter?

Curt makes a lot of hitch equipment and Dodge apparently contracted with them to supply this part so they can't be too bad. I looked at Curt's website to try to see what their product looks like and how it attaches to the Ram frame but couldn't see enough detail to understand it.

I would think without knowing any details it would be a lot cheaper and simpler to just buy the Curt from Curt or Dodge even if it doesn't seem perfect.

From the limited information from Ram, you have to buy the Curt fifth wheel adapter and another piece to make it work.

The Curt fifth wheel adapter that was pictured in Rams literature had a much larger footprint that the B&W. This could have significantly more weight to it making removal and installation more difficult.

I will not be providing my B&W fifth wheel adapter when I trade my truck in so, will have it to put on the new truck once there is a B&W gooseneck available.

 

[RonD]

I have not looked at the photos, but if is anything like what Ford offers I would buy it, the 2011 and newer Ford hitch setup is a good deal, I can assume the Ram will be close in design

I have read the literature and looked at the pictures. The literature says factory-installed rear axle cross member with provisions for 5th wheel and gooseneck hitches.



The pictures look like the crossmember that is installed for the B&W with a hole in the center for the gooseneck ball or the center bar for the companion hitch. That's why I asked since they don't go into any details how you attach a hitch to the crossmember or whether they also sell a hitch.

 

[crabjoe]

Been gone a long time, but I've got some info. . Here it is for your folks!!

2013 Ram 5th Wheel Gooseneck Prep.pdf

 

[jgillott]

Been gone a long time, but I've got some info. . Here it is for your folks!!

2013 Ram 5th Wheel Gooseneck Prep.pdf

Excellent information. Thank you!!

 

[HBarlow]

Joe,

Thanks for your research and posting. That answers many questions.

 

[Dieselnerd]

Thanks Jim W and crabjoe for some very good info. I know a lot more then when I started this thread with a question about hitch prep.

It still looks like B&W could easily make a round to square adapter tube that would allow the use of the Companion hitch in the gooseneck hole.

 

[RVTRKN]

A good question that has not been asked, HOW MUCH is the option.

 

[crabjoe]

a good question that has not been asked, how much is the option.

msrp: $400
invoice: $340

 

[RVTRKN]

Not including the 5ver hitch I'll bet.

 

[BILLUA]

I solved this problem. Got a 2012 tonite instead. Got an amazing deal and unreal trade allowance on my '05.

I know I can order an B&W gooseneck for it Monday and be ready for towing season. I can also get the running boards that I want now and the MaxBrake.

If I find I just can't live without the 2013, I'll let the bugs get worked out, the aftermarket get caught up and trade this one in 2014...

 

[HBarlow]

Bill,

I scanned your signature to see what you bought and was surprised to see it has a 48RE. No wonder you got a good price on it. It must be the only 2012 built with a leftover 48RE from the last 2007.

 

[NIsaacs]

48re? must be a typo...

Nick

 

[Bob4x4]

Bill,



I scanned your signature to see what you bought and was surprised to see it has a 48RE. No wonder you got a good price on it. It must be the only 2012 built with a leftover 48RE from the last 2007.

:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf:-laf

 

[Dieselnerd]

This is what I was thinking we need to be able to use the Companion Hitch with a round hole in the bed. We just need one that fits the RAM gooseneck hole.

http://www.adventurerv.net/gooseneck-flipover-round-square-adapter-flc-p-14585.html

I sent an email to Adventure RV to see if they will be providing an adapter for the B&W that fits the new RAM truck.

 

[RVTRKN]

Congratulations on your new truck, hope it all works out for you in 2014, but I think the new truck will satisfy your need for the latest and greatest.

 

[BILLUA]

Bill,

I scanned your signature to see what you bought and was surprised to see it has a 48RE. No wonder you got a good price on it. It must be the only 2012 built with a leftover 48RE from the last 2007.

Ok, you got me. It was late and I was tired... Man, tough crowd.

 

[BILLUA]

Congratulations on your new truck, hope it all works out for you in 2014, but I think the new truck will satisfy your need for the latest and greatest.

Thanks! We shall certainly find out :-laf

 

[HBarlow]

Ok, you got me. It was late and I was tired... Man, tough crowd.

Five strokes on your keyboard you moved from a '50s designed '60s transmission to an excellent driver with double overdrive for cruising and the starting and retarding torque provided by the 4. 10 gears. It makes a nice combination.

 

[Cummins12V98]

Please explain to us how a B&W which has been around for only a few years is superior to Reese which is the oldest and most widely used brand.

Harvey just look at the two and you will clearly see a huge difference.



Never have seen or heard of a B&W and bed damage from RV dropping but sure have seen and heard of many Reese and others!



Reese did used to be quality but now they are just another company that imports their products and ride on the name.



BTW B&W DOES make a hitch to attach to the standard rails. Why would anyone want rails left in their truck bed when the hitch is removed?



I guess that is why B&W came up with their system.



Talk to anyone that has had a B&W and any other brand hitch and they will tell you the B&W is better.