5er hitch options RAM MegaCab w/6'4" bed - Solitude 310GK

cummins2014 wrote:

DesertDogs wrote:
Question about the Anderson - all the tongue weight & lateral forces are on the Anderson ball vs. other hitches, where the weight and lateral forces are shared by the large large plate and lower hook(s) . Is there any concern with such a small item as the ball handling all the weight and lateral forces of the 5th wheel? (Obviously, Gooseneck ball hitches have been extensively used and engineers have likely given the green light to just the ball mount, so the ball is likely more than adequate for the job?)

I like the light weight of the Anderson, but I guess to use RAM factory pucks, two rails must also be employed. Are the Anderson rails fully compatible with the RAM factorypucks?

And, can the Anderson rails be used with the Anderson hitch that can mount either 180º direction (giving an 8" difference between each direction chosen)? Is there any question that the Anderson is not more than capable of safely doing the job?

What about the Anderson aluminum hitch vs. their steel - does it make good sense to go with the steel over the aluminum? I'm thinking that the steel one is likely quite light enough for a one-man installation?

IMO ,the steel rail mount Andersen is the way to go . As said in a previous post ,I don't like the one point attachment ,don't care what brand, just not as solid as a four point attachment.

There are three different adapters you can buy to fit the Ram puck system, they ALL do the same thing. They attach at four points ,and enable you to attach ANY standard rail hitch to the adapter. That is the only way you will be able to use the steel rail mount Andersen , unless you install bed rails, and that would not make any sense when you have the factory puck system already in place. The adapter brands that I know of, is Reese ,the one I have for my Megacab Ram. The other two are Demco, and Pullrite .

Does it make sense to go with the Steel Andersen ,absolutely , without a doubt. Not sure what you are referring to as far as the Andersen rails, not aware they sell any rails. You need one of the three adapters mentioned to attach to the pucks , ,and the steel mount Andersen ,and you will be set . Yes there is an eight inch difference in which way you mount the Andersen adapter to the kingpin, and I0 inch difference in which position you mount the hitch, giving you four different combinations of positioning the hitch. And no there is no question that the Andersen steel mount can not get the job done safely. Plus light enough for one man removal, easily.