factory 5th wheel mounts

tinner12002 wrote:
The easiest I think would be as Cummins suggested, plug the holes with some factory covers and install a gooseneck ball mount but then I think OP would be a good candidate for the Anderson Ultimate hitch that attaches to the ball hitch.

Agreed up to the ANDERSEN part unless towing in the lower arena.

20K version of this will get the job done!

The easiest I think would be as Cummins suggested, plug the holes with some factory covers and install a gooseneck ball mount but then I think OP would be a good candidate for the Anderson Ultimate hitch that attaches to the ball hitch.

MudChucker wrote:
...you can buy the underbed hardware for 2012 and up...

I think the RAM OEM 5th Wheel Prep Kit is only a direct bolt-on for '14 and up.

For '13 and older I believe the only under bed, puck mount system that is a direct bolt in kit would be the Reese RP30074. I doubt this system would line up with the holes.

It may be possible for the OP to buy the newer OEM 5th wheel system and fabricate brackets to make it work, thus utilizing the the existing holes in his new bed. But it is very doubtful he can just bolt the pucks to his frame and be done.

KJ

Op it simply won't be worth it. The fact is these newer frames should not be welded or drilled. Best bet is use the puck bed plugs then add a B&W TurnoverBall then get a 20k Companion hitch.

Cummins12V98 wrote:

MudChucker wrote:

Cummins12V98 wrote:

MudChucker wrote:
Yes you can.

You have quite a few bits to buy though, the parts that attach to the frame, the pucks and the window frame...and finally what ever bits you need to attach your existing g hitch to the window frame.

I would seriously doubt you can use the pucks on a 2012 frame. It is a COMPLETELY different frame.

Never said anyone could, I stated that you can buy the hardware...

HMMMMM. YOU ARE THE ONE THAT SAID "yes you can"

I never said that the frames were the same on a 2012 -

I said, "Yes you can.... you have quite a few bits to buy tho"

you can buy the underbed hardware for 2012 and up...

lindenwood wrote:
...I have a 2012 ram dually. I am replacing my damaged pick up bed and with a 2016 dually bed that has the factory 5th wheel mount access holes in the bed.

The OP's intention was to use the RAM OEM 5th wheel prep kit because his new bed already has the holes cut out. He's putting a newer bed on a '12 truck.

I'll bet it will require fabrication and modification of frame mounting points to make the OEM kit work. It could be possible, but it won't be the straight bolt-on installation for the '14 and newer trucks.

rickeoni wrote:
The Reese underbed kit for the Ram is the same part number for 2012 through 2016. Might be a fit, spendy though.

My Bad, looked at a resellers website which said they are all the same. looked on the Reese site today and it is specific to the 2011&12 years.

I would contact Reese, explain what you doing and see if they make an adapter kit to use a later model under bed base to the 12 frame. They have a whole page of 5th wheel hitch adapters/brackets.

rickeoni wrote:
The Reese underbed kit for the Ram is the same part number for 2012 through 2016. Might be a fit, spendy though.

I don't see how that could be as the frames are wider on the 13 and later. Just checked, its not even listed for the 14 and later Ram, only in 13 is either kit listed for the Ram and then only for the 1500 series 1/2 ton.

I think in 2013 they changed the frame completely making it wider. That's not saying it couldn't be done, a torch, welder, a BFH and a can of paint you can do about anything. On the 12 Ram I had I used the Reese elite setup which included the under the bed frame puck mount but it was for the smaller puck arraignment setup as is now used in the new Fords. With that being said, if you found a later model setup it possibly could be modified/narrowed to fit your 12 and fit the existing holes in your bed but you might also have to move/relocate an existing cross member on your 12 frame.