Reese Signature Hitch

The solution is B & W. If you can't use your Reese you can't tow your trailer.

I just checked the Fit Guide on Reeses website and found that your existing hitch is not compatable with the new truck. They do not make the underbed rails for your hitch.

If you have the Ram fifth wheel prep package then I would order a B&W RVK3600 or if you are happy with the Reese products they make one that fit the pucks. I think the part number is 30160.

If you do not have the Ram pucks then you have a few options for underbed rails.

1) You can install a B&W Turnover ball Gooseneck hitch and use the B&W Companion hitch

2) You can install any brand underbed gooseneck hitch and use a hitch called the Andersen Ultimate fifth wheel connection (not my personal preference)

Or you can install standard fifth wheel hitch above bed rails and run a traditional rail mounted fifth wheel hitch. I still recommend the B&W brand called the Patriot. I would buy the 18k version which has a welded base.

My personal favorite combo without the factory Prep package is the B&W Turnoverball and the Companion fifth wheel hitch.

Sorry for the bad news on your current hitch. You can probably get $2-400 for it on craigslist to help offset the cost.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

When we were searching for a new truck I couldn't find one without a bunch of options I didn't want. I did locate the KR in sig that had everything but the Ford puck system. Had local truck outfitter install the B&W turnball and order me a new lower unit for my companion hitch. After 50,000 miles trouble free towing with the companion hitch it was a no brainer.

Reelin' sell what you have and get the B&W, you will thank me and everyone else that suggests the same!

Great truck deserves a great hitch!

Did the OP's '03 Ram have bed rails for his hitch? If so, funny that Reese doesn't make frame brackets for the '18 Rams. Having bought a '17 F350 w/o factory pucks, B&W did make frame brackets and rails for it. Seeing my hitch is a B&W Patriot, went w/ B&W brackets/rails. Talk about beefy parts! I as well would strongly recommend B&W parts to fit/work w/ the Reese. In fact, w/ my '15 F350, I used Reese brackets/rails and had a Reese hitch then bought the B&W.

There are a few Companies that are making a "Picture Frame" assembly that will fit into the Pucks and provide the rails for a standard hitch. Just have to research and see if you can find one that would fit your Truck and hitch.
Personally I would just upgrade to a good hitch made to fit the Pucks and put your current hitch on Craig's List.

OK, it’s time to get serious about my hitch install and start using the new truck.

Since I do not yet have anything installed under the bed I’m leaning toward the B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch(model 1314) with the B&W RVK3500 Companion hitch.

I like the idea of having only one hole in the bed. I won’t bother with the safety chain loops for the gooseneck as I won’t have an occasion to pull a gooseneck trailer.

Does the single point of attachment give the same amount of stability as the wide stance on the 4 puck system?

Does the thickness of a spray-in liner effect mounting the 3500 hitch?
And lastly, is there a way of locking the hitch in to prevent theft?

Thanks to all for your input!

Michelle.S wrote:
There are a few Companies that are making a "Picture Frame" assembly that will fit into the Pucks and provide the rails for a standard hitch.

Yep. Picture Frame Adapter

But at that price, why not apply the money to a better, brand new hitch for your brand new truck? The B&W setup for the Turnoverball and companion hitch will be about $1300. The OEM 4-point puck system is a little over $200 and then you can install any brand of hitch that fits the system.

Ram OEM Puck System.

I kind of like using the pucks because it gives you 4-points of contact directly over the frame rail. Is it better than the turnoverball/companion setup? Probably not just my preference.

KJ

Reelin' wrote:
I have a Reese signature series hitch in '03 Ram. I just bought an '18 Ram and would like to use the same hitch. Reese doesn't make an underbed setup for the new models. It doesn't look like the Reese adapter will accomodate the signature/elite model.

Anyone have a solution?

Yes, a Reese 30154 picture frame adapter, if you have the OEM fifth wheel prep. I have a 2014 Ram 3500 with the OEM fifth wheel prep, and the reese picture frame adapter, and a rail mount Reese signature 18K fifth wheel hitch attached to it. The Reese adapter is around $375.00 .

I have to assume your reese hitch was attached to bed rails in your 03 ??. If so then the reese frame adapter will work.

Reelin' wrote:
OK, it’s time to get serious about my hitch install and start using the new truck.

Since I do not yet have anything installed under the bed I’m leaning toward the B&W Turnoverball gooseneck hitch(model 1314) with the B&W RVK3500 Companion hitch.

I like the idea of having only one hole in the bed. I won’t bother with the safety chain loops for the gooseneck as I won’t have an occasion to pull a gooseneck trailer.

Does the single point of attachment give the same amount of stability as the wide stance on the 4 puck system?

Does the thickness of a spray-in liner effect mounting the 3500 hitch?
And lastly, is there a way of locking the hitch in to prevent theft?

Thanks to all for your input!

Sorry, I didn't see the above post, it appears you do not have the fifth wheel prep, I would still go with the fifth wheel prep, and get a hitch that attaches to the four points, forget that turnover ball ,and the single point attachment.