Forum Discussion

Al_H's avatar
Al_H
Explorer
Feb 09, 2019

Setting Up Tow Vehicle w/hitch, Etc

Looking at buying a 3500 Ram Mega Cab with short box and wondering if this may be problem towing a fifth wheel trailer. Is a special hitch required so the cab does not hit the trailer? Also about how much would it cost to set up the truck with hitch, wiring, etc? I would install myself but what is an approximate cost for hitch and related parts? The truck does not have the goose neck hitch set up option, only the class 4 hitch and wiring.
Thanks!
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Feb 09, 2019
    It's going to depend entirely on what trailer you choose.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Feb 09, 2019
    Sadly with the mega cab configuration you end up with a short short bed. Once you get past the weight issues trying to find a hitch that might work could be a choir. The 3500 mega realisticslly has the load capacity of a quad 2500. Picking carefully a mega can be a good tow vehicle.
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    Feb 09, 2019
    I can't speak to all hitch brands but last Spring when I bought mine, I wanted the Andersen hitch and the dealer was quoting me about $1,800 for the in bed ball and hitch. When it came to signing on the dotted line I said that throwing in the hitch would get the deal done. They initially said no way so I left. I didn't even get home before the phone rang to come back.
  • wvcampers's avatar
    wvcampers
    Explorer
    Feb 10, 2019
    My SIL uses the Andersen Ultimate with his Magacab short bed. He is towing a Heartland Sundance with no problems.
  • Al_H's avatar
    Al_H
    Explorer
    Feb 10, 2019
    wvcampers wrote:
    My SIL uses the Andersen Ultimate with his Magacab short bed. He is towing a Heartland Sundance with no problems.


    Thanks for the information so far, I researched the Anderson Ultimate and really like it. Cost is about $700 for the hitch, chains if needed are another $90. Also found the B&W ball mount at about $500 so $1200-$1300 is about the cost plus installation which I can handle, probably take a half day or so.
  • garyp4951's avatar
    garyp4951
    Explorer III
    Feb 10, 2019
    Don't forget the wiring harness for inside the bed. etrailer.com
  • Super_Dave's avatar
    Super_Dave
    Explorer
    Feb 10, 2019
    garyp4951 wrote:
    Don't forget the wiring harness for inside the bed. etrailer.com

    I've always used the bumper plug for mine.
  • MudChucker's avatar
    MudChucker
    Explorer
    Feb 11, 2019
    Yeah, buy the wedge kit and put the plug inside the bed, save your tail gate from the wire rub rash.

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