RAM 4500 with 8'6" flat bed for towing 5th Wheel

With a 8'-6" bed, the RAM 4500 you are looking at is almost guaranteed to have a 60" CA (cab to axle). So, the flat bed will extend 42" behind the axle centerline plus maybe 8" for a bumper, so total of 50 inches. And it won't be wider than probably 82 inches with stake pockets or rub strips. That makes the diagonal just under 65 inches to the corner of the flat bed. My Cruiser is 83 inches from the center of the king pin to the lower front wall and storage door. That is with the standard extended pin box. If yours is the same, you should not have a problem with the flat bed corners.

When my Cruiser is level, king pin height is 48 inches. Most likely, the RAM 4500 flat bed will be at least 40 inches high. So that means the GN adaptor needs to have an adjustment range around 6 inches to 10 inches, actually lower since the adaptor doesn't drop flush with the floor. However, if like many flat beds, the ball is under a trap door, then you can probably add 5 inches to the numbers.

atvanish wrote:

mdamerell wrote:
The only gooseneck adapter Lippert endorses is the Reese Goose Box which they sell on their site.

False - there are some other exceptions for some of the smaller 5th wheels out there... I've been talking to them about the Open Range Lites ;)

To the OP - yes please get it in writing from the manufacturer... To answer your question - most of the GN adaptors I've used do have some decent adjustability but depends on model...

Stand corrected. :C When I spoke to Lippert about mine, the only one they endorsed was the Goose Box. Perhaps due to my size and weight.

mdamerell wrote:
The only gooseneck adapter Lippert endorses is the Reese Goose Box which they sell on their site.

False - there are some other exceptions for some of the smaller 5th wheels out there... I've been talking to them about the Open Range Lites ;)

To the OP - yes please get it in writing from the manufacturer... To answer your question - most of the GN adaptors I've used do have some decent adjustability but depends on model...

I'd make sure that extra 6 inches isn't going to tear a hole in your 5er in a sharp turn.

I built my own mounts under the flat bed. I installed 1/2 in SAE hi nuts on the mounts as nut plates for the 5r hitch rails. Now I just spin the rail bolts out with a speed handle and slide the whole hitch assy off. Used hi test bolts and nuts from Caterpillar. I remove it quite often and this system works well.

The only gooseneck adapter Lippert endorses is the Reese Goose Box which they sell on their site.

Thor doesn't warranty the frame. Lippert does. I would check with Lippert just to sure...

B.O.