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Installing OEM 5th Wheel Prep Kit on 2014 2500 with Factory Air Suspenspion

7K views 3 replies 3 participants last post by  elliotmichaelfoxtrot  
#1 ·
Hey all,

Really hoping that someone can shed some light on this. I am looking at purchasing a 5th wheel camper, but my 2014 Ram 2500 Laramie Longhorn did not come with the factory installed 5th wheel prep kit. I found the kit online, but my question is how difficult will it be to install? Or will it even work with my air suspension? Can I access the points on the frame to install the steel pucks with the factory air bags in place from under the truck? I have a feeling that if I were to go this route, I would have to take my truck bed off the frame. I would prefer the factory prep kit as opposed to the other option being the in-bed rail mounts for the 5th wheels, as the factory kit is recessed into the truck bed.

Any help or advice is much appreciated. Thanks.
 
#2 ·
My two pennies.. Don't go with the factory setup. If you have a long bed, it's not as bad of an option, but for a short bed I wouldn't do it again. The B&W hitch for the prep is rock solid I will say, but it's not a slider. The picture frames are iffy and they raise everything over an inch, which can make things interesting with our trucks.

Personally, I'd save the money and install a B&W Turnover ball. You're looking at one hole, less money, and more options. The B&W companion that goes with it is also a rock solid hitch, it also gives you the option of running something like the Anderson Ultimate. You can take it out a whole lot easier as well (Both hitches that is). Also if you need a slider, they offer a slider companion hitch.

Anderson will save you a decent bit of weight, which is huge on a 2500, your payload is a lot lower than you think. When you really start to crunch the numbers, 2500's aren't "legally" rated to tow 5th wheels. That's based off of GVWR however and not RAWR (Classifications and insurance rates mostly). The F150 with a max payload package has almost the same payload as a 2500 these days (Diesel at least).

Mine with the Prep:

Image


Shortbed Turning

Image



Turnover ball install, no rails needed:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JjlmhzWtU3g
 
#3 ·
Interesting that you brought up the B&W hitch Deathrend. And first off, MANY thanks for your input and photos! As I have been continuing to read the different threads, it seems that the whether it be the OEM 5th wheel prep kit or the goose neck kit from MOPAR, they both are not the preferred route by those who have had both the aftermarket and MOPAR kits. I am leaning toward going with the B&W gooseneck kit, along with the Companion 5th wheel adapter. My Dad has a '11 Ram 2500 Diesel as well, and it makes the most sense to install the gooseneck kit on both trucks, and have the ability to throw the 5th wheel hitch between either truck setup.

Great point with the payload for the trucks. We have been very cautious while looking at the trailers and their associated pin weights, as to not exceed our payload amounts.

Again, thank you for your input and guidance. I will more than likely go with the B&W setup after hearing nothing but great experiences with them from install to years of function.