2014 Dodge Ram Fifth Wheel Prep Option?

We ordered a Reese Hitch when we ordered our 2014 truck because that is what we had in our 96 Dodge.
Unfortunately Reese said they would have a hitch til 2014. Dodge suggested we purchase the Chrysler Curt Hitch. The found out that it would not "fit" so they ordered a Reese picture frame which did fit into the truck beds bolt holes. Go figure. Reese had a picture frame but no hitch. We had to do some modifications ourselves afterwards to take care of the "clunking" that we had when starting out or stopping but all is well now. Hope this helps. Hugs, Di
ps another forum with a wealth of information is this one http://www.turbodieselregister.com

Hotel California wrote:
Has anyone ordered a 2014 Ram with the 5th wheel prep option? If so, what did you need to do to install your hitch? Do any hitches actually just line up with the pre-drilled holes? Dealer is having a difficult time answering questions on the subject.

Looks to me safety chains should be required for the Andersen. Looks like the kingpin is behind the rear axle when connected is that correct?

At this point my future 14 or 15 RAM will not have the factory prep. I will buy the B&W gooseneck kit GNRK 1314 $439. Also the B&W upgraded Companion RVK 3500 $879.

The GN hitch is easy to install at 58# and is one piece.

The Companion is now rated to tow 20K with 5K pin weight.

IMHO this combo will be the best option for the 13 and newer trucks.

deerslayer wrote:

gtsum wrote:

deerslayer wrote:
I just purchased my 2014 2500 a couple weeks ago, I specifically wanted the prep package. Finally found one that was ordered by another dealer (there were some other things I wanted). During my search for the truck It was very difficult to find any one local who would put a hitch in a new ram due to lack of available parts, so I made sure I got the prep package. I even worked it into the deal for them to pay for it. I tried to get the dodge adapter but the parts department was rather less than stellar with there knowledge of the prep kit so I ordered a Reese adapter from the rv dealer. Two days later it was in, took 5 minutes to install the adapter and hitch. No problems pulling the camper, only issue is I have to adjust the camper due to the truck being so much taller than my 1/2 ton. Also....I use a reese pro series 20k slider. If I were buying a new ram I would def get the prep package

Thanks for sharing that info. Do you by chance happen to have any pics of the hitch in and out of the truck? Are you able to take it out easily and quickly? Thanks again!

I can try and get a picture when I can, I have it in my truck but its under my bed cover and we are expecting snow . The bracket and hitch go in and out easily, I can take it out in less than 5 minutes, its just a matter of pulling the pins out of the bracket holding the hitch, remove the hitch then unlocking the bracket by the levers and it lifts out as well, leaving the bed perfectly flat and open.

very nice! Thanks!

gtsum wrote:

deerslayer wrote:
I just purchased my 2014 2500 a couple weeks ago, I specifically wanted the prep package. Finally found one that was ordered by another dealer (there were some other things I wanted). During my search for the truck It was very difficult to find any one local who would put a hitch in a new ram due to lack of available parts, so I made sure I got the prep package. I even worked it into the deal for them to pay for it. I tried to get the dodge adapter but the parts department was rather less than stellar with there knowledge of the prep kit so I ordered a Reese adapter from the rv dealer. Two days later it was in, took 5 minutes to install the adapter and hitch. No problems pulling the camper, only issue is I have to adjust the camper due to the truck being so much taller than my 1/2 ton. Also....I use a reese pro series 20k slider. If I were buying a new ram I would def get the prep package

Thanks for sharing that info. Do you by chance happen to have any pics of the hitch in and out of the truck? Are you able to take it out easily and quickly? Thanks again!

I can try and get a picture when I can, I have it in my truck but its under my bed cover and we are expecting snow . The bracket and hitch go in and out easily, I can take it out in less than 5 minutes, its just a matter of pulling the pins out of the bracket holding the hitch, remove the hitch then unlocking the bracket by the levers and it lifts out as well, leaving the bed perfectly flat and open.

steelpony5555 wrote:
I wouldn't call the adapter reasonable at $313 which is the cheapest one I have seen. It's not much less then having rails mounted. Cost me $450 to have the rails moved to my new to me truck. I agree Dodge should have had their ducks in a row.....

Really didn't say 313 was reasonable...I said it was cheaper than what Mopar is charging for it. and yeah, Chrsyler blew it, as I also stated earlier. .. big time, THEN charged far more for the picture frame adapter than they should have...BUT $313 IS cheaper than the 450 you're saying you would be charged to have your rails moved from one truck to another... if you don't have the GN/5er prep package, (which cost $400), all you need IS the rails....IF you have the GN/5er prep package, still, the best route to go is with the picture frame adapter for $313...IF you're going to use a 5er hitch that you already own.

I wouldn't call the adapter reasonable at $313 which is the cheapest one I have seen. It's not much less then having rails mounted. Cost me $450 to have the rails moved to my new to me truck. I agree Dodge should have had their ducks in a row.....

Me Again wrote:
A ball coupler is a ball coupler, and is not what is considered a 5th wheel hitch, which is a king pin that is captured in a 5th wheel plate. Is anyone going to really care? A hotshot rig that used this and had to stop at chicken coops and under go DOT inspections might have a problem. I still do not like the fact that is relies of the sheet metal bed of the truck, as we all know sheet metal in vehicles in not what it use to be.

Like I said earlier I looked at the new RAM mounting plates on the frame and they are robust!

Off the the Seattle RV Show! Later!

Chris

Guess it depends on what state you're in, but if you have the drop in ball in the bed of your truck in NC and I put the Andersen hitch on top of it ( lock it down) and the ball I attach my 5er to is 20" off the deck, it isn't considered a GN, which needs safety chains...going by I came within a "hair" of purchasing the Reese Elite Drop in ball and the Andersen Ultimate 5th wheel hitch in May, took all information I had about drop in ball and the Andersen Ultimate 5er hitch, went to DOT here in Asheville and ended up with State Troopers Safety and Scale Dept. and was told what I stated here....I showed the pictures, showed how it worked and was told if pin box had GN extension on it and attached to a ball in the bed of the truck it needed safety chains....but not with what I was showing them....I even asked for it in writing if I went to that hitch and was told, if I went that route, come by and they'd "put it in writing"....this was NC, DOT....for what it's worth.

A ball coupler is a ball coupler, and is not what is considered a 5th wheel hitch, which is a king pin that is captured in a 5th wheel plate. Is anyone going to really care? A hotshot rig that used this and had to stop at chicken coops and under go DOT inspections might have a problem. I still do not like the fact that is relies of the sheet metal bed of the truck, as we all know sheet metal in vehicles in not what it use to be.

Like I said earlier I looked at the new RAM mounting plates on the frame and they are robust!

Off the the Seattle RV Show! Later!

Chris

Like I said, it may vary state to state. I know a conventional GN needs safety chains, but from all I understand, with the 4 legs and bracing on the Andersen ultimate 5er hitch and hook up ball not being on the deck of the bed, but being elevated to the height of where a conventional 5er hitch would mount, chains are not needed....Only difference is a drop in ball is holding the hitch in the bed of the truck. There is a poster on the cummins forum who is towing a 5er on his and it weighs over 20,000#, he resides in TX, doesn't need safety chains.

Here is part of the Washington state code, this is for under 10,000 GVWR. I will look more. They state 5th wheel hitches are exempt. Ball and couples require safety chains.

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/WAC/default.aspx?cite=204-70-030

I just talked to Anderson about safety chains and he maybe along to contribute to the thread. But it is a grey area, with some states they have contacted saying technically yes and others no.

Chris