Hitch options for 2500

[JimA]

Ok, feel dumb for even having to ask this, but how do I know what hitch options are available for my 2019 2500 Laramie standard bed? It has a drop-in bed liner so I can't see the truck bed, and this is the first time I'm installing a 5th wheel hitch. It appears they have at least a few different ways of being mounted, just unclear on the best way to go.

1) Will I need to remove the existing bed liner and replace with a spray-on for a hitch install?
2) Is the puck system the best way to go?
3) What other questions should I be asking?

Appreciate any tips from those who have been around this block before.

 

[KneeDeep]

Ok, feel dumb for even having to ask this, but how do I know what hitch options are available for my 2019 2500 Laramie standard bed? It has a drop-in bed liner so I can't see the truck bed, and this is the first time I'm installing a 5th wheel hitch. It appears they have at least a few different ways of being mounted, just unclear on the best way to go.

1) Will I need to remove the existing bed liner and replace with a spray-on for a hitch install?
2) Is the puck system the best way to go?
3) What other questions should I be asking?

Appreciate any tips from those who have been around this block before.

B&W Turnover ball hitch. If you won’t need a fifth wheel hitch you could just cut a hole for your ball mount. If you are going to haul a fifth wheel trailer you can convert to a Reese goosebox, much better ride and you don’t have to deal with a heavy Fifth wheel.

 

[JimA]

Thanks. What kind of shop can install that?

 

[KneeDeep]

Thanks. What kind of shop can install that?

I installed my own on my last truck. It was not that hard of of job.

I would think an RV dealer or hitch shop would do it.

 

[MEGA HO]

If you have no factory puck system installed, I'm sure they could drill holes right through your drop in liner, no need to go with a spray on unless you want to.
I personally like the puck system, it looks clean and if you're not using it, you can easily remove the 5er and have an empty bed. The old rail system looks messy with rails staying in the whole time.
Don't go with a factory options if you don't have the puck system installed from a factory. 5er and a GN are actually 2 separate options and aren't any better than aftermarket. It's a long story but I've had my truck ordered with 5er/GN package but received without. Dealer tried to weasel out of this by offering one or the other or some hybrid system but I was having none of it. Ended up taking my truck to an aftermarket hitch place and had a full Curt (I think) puck system installed and paid by the dealer, looks just like factory but cost was 1/2 of the 2 separate factory options together (as mentioned the 5er and GN are separate options), plus ended up with a free GN ball and safety chains Curt kit as a bonus and didn't need to wait months for the OEM parts to arrive.

 

[AH64ID]

If you have no factory puck system installed, I'm sure they could drill holes right through your drop in liner, no need to go with a spray on unless you want to.
I personally like the puck system, it looks clean and if you're not using it, you can easily remove the 5er and have an empty bed. The old rail system looks messy with rails staying in the whole time.
Don't go with a factory options if you don't have the puck system installed from a factory. 5er and a GN are actually 2 separate options and aren't any better than aftermarket. It's a long story but I've had my truck ordered with 5er/GN package but received without. Dealer tried to weasel out of this by offering one or the other or some hybrid system but I was having none of it. Ended up taking my truck to an aftermarket hitch place and had a full Curt (I think) puck system installed and paid by the dealer, looks just like factory but cost was 1/2 of the 2 separate factory options together (as mentioned the 5er and GN are separate options), plus ended up with a free GN ball and safety chains Curt kit as a bonus and didn't need to wait months for the OEM parts to arrive.

The plastic drop in liners are likely too thick to work with the 5th wheel puck system. My thin rubber mat doesn’t have a ton of clearance and the drop in liners I’ve seen are a fair amount thicker.

 

[JimA]

Yes, somewhere I read the puck system on top of the drop-in liner will cause it to deteriorate and eventually wear through. The spray in doesn't have that issue.

If I do a regular gooseneck mount do all trucks have a way to way to attach that or does it involve cutting through the bed?

 

[unclelala]

Probably could cut a bigger hole in the plastic liner to accept the puck system.

 

[AH64ID]

You will have to cut a hole in the bed for a GN hitch, but the frame is ready so no drilling there.

 

[KneeDeep]

Yes, somewhere I read the puck system on top of the drop-in liner will cause it to deteriorate and eventually wear through. The spray in doesn't have that issue.

If I do a regular gooseneck mount do all trucks have a way to way to attach that or does it involve cutting through the bed?

 

[JimA]

Nice, didn't know it glowed. I'm sold

 

[KneeDeep]

Nice, didn't know it glowed. I'm sold

I figured I had that coming.
Only color I had on hand at the time to keep drilled holes from rusting.

 

[KneeDeep]

https://www.etrailer.com/Fifth-Wheel-Hitch/B-and-W/BWRVK3500-5W.html

This is what I was using at first before I switched to the Goosebox. It has to be used with the B&W mount (The one that glows).
It can be offset to rear for more cab clearance, that’s how I had it and also had the 6’4 bed. You might have issues with the Drop-In bed liner though, or may be able to cut out the four resting points in your liner.

B&W uses a square mount, unlike OEM that use a round mount. One of the advantages of a square mount is that if you go with a gooseneck ball you can get an offset ball to push it back a few inches for more cab clearance if you have the 6’4 bed.

I still have the hitch in the link above but don’t use it anymore after going to the goosebox.
If you go that route and are somewhat close to southeast PA, I would sell it at a good price.

 

[whitexc]

I bought and installed the factory puck kit as a few others have done here. It’s not bad and I’m sure any competent shop could handle it with ease. I put my B&W Companion in and have only removed it once as yes it’s heavy as heck and cumbersome but it tows great. I have a trailer for hauling things should I need it. My 5er was new last year and there is only one option to go goose ball. I’m not into changing that yet.


Sent from me

 

[JimA]

So here's current plan, please poke holes.

B&W Turnoverball kit
https://www.etrailer.com/Gooseneck-Hitch/Ram/2500/2019/BWGNRK1320.html?VehicleID=201989458

Gen-Y Pin Box

Executive 5th Wheel King Pin Replacement w/ SnapLatch Gooseneck Coupler

The GEN-Y EXECUTIVE Fifth Wheel King Pin Replacement with SnapLatch Gooseneck Coupler allows the user to hook a Fifth Wheel RV to the truck with a gooseneck ball.

genyhitch.com

I think the B&W kit will be fine with the drop in liner, just needs a little trimming of the liner for the new hole.

This looks pretty simple, is there anything else I will need?

 

[KneeDeep]

So here's current plan, please poke holes.

B&W Turnoverball kit
https://www.etrailer.com/Gooseneck-Hitch/Ram/2500/2019/BWGNRK1320.html?VehicleID=201989458

Gen-Y Pin Box

Executive 5th Wheel King Pin Replacement w/ SnapLatch Gooseneck Coupler

The GEN-Y EXECUTIVE Fifth Wheel King Pin Replacement with SnapLatch Gooseneck Coupler allows the user to hook a Fifth Wheel RV to the truck with a gooseneck ball.

genyhitch.com

I think the B&W kit will be fine with the drop in liner, just needs a little trimming of the liner for the new hole.

This looks pretty simple, is there anything else I will need?

If you have the short bed you may want to get the offset ball. I think that will bring you back 4”. When I had the companion fifth wheel i had it set back, not sure how far it was. When I went to the 8’ bed I used the regular ball and the Goosebox. I’ll see if I can find some pictures of the setup with the Companion and the short bed to give you an idea of your cab clearance you will have.

 

[AH64ID]

If you have the short bed you may want to get the offset ball. I think that will bring you back 4”. When I had the companion fifth wheel i had it set back, not sure how far it was. When I went to the 8’ bed I used the regular ball and the Goosebox. I’ll see if I can find some pictures of the setup with the Companion and the short bed to give you an idea of your cab clearance you will have.

Try it without first, you want the weight over or forward of the rear axle, not aft of it.

So here's current plan, please poke holes.

B&W Turnoverball kit
https://www.etrailer.com/Gooseneck-Hitch/Ram/2500/2019/BWGNRK1320.html?VehicleID=201989458

Gen-Y Pin Box

Executive 5th Wheel King Pin Replacement w/ SnapLatch Gooseneck Coupler

The GEN-Y EXECUTIVE Fifth Wheel King Pin Replacement with SnapLatch Gooseneck Coupler allows the user to hook a Fifth Wheel RV to the truck with a gooseneck ball.

genyhitch.com

I think the B&W kit will be fine with the drop in liner, just needs a little trimming of the liner for the new hole.

This looks pretty simple, is there anything else I will need?

Personally not much of a fan of the Gen-Y over the Goosebox, but lots of people like their Gen-Y’s.

 

[KneeDeep]

I Agree with AH64ID as far as weight distribution but you will be pretty close to your back window without offsetting to the rear.
Here are some pics of my setup with the companion fifth wheel offset to the rear a little.

 

[MEGA HO]

Try it without first, you want the weight over or forward of the rear axle, not aft of it.



Personally not much of a fan of the Gen-Y over the Goosebox, but lots of people like their Gen-Y’s.

Correct me if I'm wrong but this sort of offset ball does not move the weight to the rear, only the pivot point moves back.

 

[AH64ID]

Correct me if I'm wrong but this sort of offset ball does not move the weight to the rear, only the pivot point moves back.

How would the weight not shift aft?