new 3500 ram

otrfun wrote:
The one thing you may want to keep in mind during your search of various brands and models of 5th wheel hitches, is the height adjustment range. Newer trucks sit higher than old trucks. In some cases this necessitates the need for a hitch that has a lower range of height adjustment to keep the trailer as level as possible. Many 5th wheel hitches will not adjust lower than 16-17 in. Some will go as low as 13". That 3-4" difference in height capability can make a big difference leveling your trailer in some cases.

BTW, if you use a universal mount hitch with a Ram picture frame adapter, the hitch will sit approx 1" - 1 1/4" higher than if the same hitch was mounted to an aftermarket universal rail mount in the same truck.

Good luck!

With a standard MorRyde pin box, my hitch is right at 18" from the bottom of the bed. Pin box is adjusted all the way up, and the 18" height is the minimum I can go down, I could go another inch or so with my hitch , but then the bedrail clearance is too close, I am borderline now. I'm not completely level but close enough.

That 1" on the picture frame is the least of my height problems. These new trucks are the problem . 13" on a the hitch height, never work on my Ram ,and the MorRyde pin box. I can't imagine any hitch or pinbox working at that height on a newer Ram pickup. At least not the 1 ton four wheel drive, like mine.

IMO the only solution to these new trucks in a lot of cases is raising the fifth wheel, that would be my only option if I wanted to be a bit more level.

The one thing you may want to keep in mind during your search of various brands and models of 5th wheel hitches, is the height adjustment range. Newer trucks sit higher than old trucks. In some cases this necessitates the need for a hitch that has a lower range of height adjustment to keep the trailer as level as possible. Many 5th wheel hitches will not adjust lower than 16-17 in. Some will go as low as 13". That 3-4" difference in height capability can make a big difference leveling your trailer in some cases.

BTW, if you use a universal mount hitch with a Ram picture frame adapter, the hitch will sit approx 1" - 1 1/4" higher than if the same hitch was mounted to an aftermarket universal rail mount in the same truck.

Good luck!

I guess what would be nice, would be a site where someone could compare all the hitches that would work with the "puck" system?

Me Again wrote:
I think that the Demco 6099 picture frame is better than the factory/Reese offering. Not as tall, better puck latches, and can be released from pucks while the hitch is still pinned to it, which is great if you want to lift it out with a hoist. Chris

Although the height is not much of a factor, the release handles are, its nice to be able to remove the hitch attached to the picture frame, something my Reese picture frame is unable to do. Although the Reese is a bit cheaper .


But why bother with all that , just hold out for the new Andersen which attaches directly to the OEM puck system :B

I think that the Demco 6099 picture frame is better than the factory/Reese offering. Not as tall, better puck latches, and can be released from pucks while the hitch is still pinned to it, which is great if you want to lift it out with a hoist. Chris

yankeecamper wrote:
I am thinking about buying a 2017 3500 dodge ram. What do I need to do to transfer my hatch over to that truck.

Unless you have this or this hitch you should get one of these!!! You just bought the best truck now sell what you have and put the money towards something nice and shiny like your truck.

RustyJC wrote:
If you're bound and determined to use a rail-mounted hitch and the truck has the factory prep package (pucks), then yes, the picture frame adapter is what you'll need. Bear in mind that even the 4x2 Rams sit higher than your 2006 plus the picture frame adapter will raise the hitch even more, so you may be challenged to get the 6" minimum bed rail clearance you need without winding up nose high on the 5th wheel.

I use the puck mounted B&W Companion RVK3600 set as low as it will go, the Trailair Triglide pinbox set as high as it will go and have 2" factory risers between the 5th wheel's MorRyde independent suspension and frame and I'm still a bit nose high, but our 2016 Ram is a 4x4.

Rusty

Good advice!! There is often hitch height issues using the pic frame adapter. IMO, sell current hitch, save the cost of adapter, and purchase puck ready hitch like Rusty has.

Jerry

When I just bought my 16' Chevy I had BW rails in my 13' truck. BW told me that my BW Patriot would not fit on top of a base if I got the puck system. I could have sold my BW for a few hundred dollars then buy a new BW Companion for $1200. I couldn't afford that so I paid $250 and had my rails moved from one truck to another. If you have the money, go for the puck system. If you don't, or don't want to spend the money; change over the rails.

yankeecamper wrote:
I am thinking about buying a 2017 3500 dodge ram. What do I need to do to transfer my hatch over to that truck.

What hatch do you need to transfer?

My Husky 16K slider dropped right into the adapter on my 2014 3500. Yours should too. A really great system. Nice to have an empty bed quickly when you need it. JT.