RAM 2500 Fifth Wheel Hitch and Jayco Eagle 29.5BHDS

[jmcm15]

I am picking up our brand new 2017 Eagle HT 29.5BHDS in a few weeks and I am researching hitches. I have a 2017 RAM 2500 with the auto level rear suspension and the 5th wheel prep puck system. I was dead set on getting the Anderson Ultimate 5th Wheel Hitch and then I started to waiver and look at the B and W Companion. I would prefer something that uses the puck system I have and I really don't want to buy a slider hitch on rails as I am concerned with the overall height of the hitch and truck. The last think I want is to have to lift the fifth wheel trailer to make it level. My goal is to get a light system that allows good turning.

Does anyone have my setup or something close and if so can you tell me what you use and how it has worked out?

 

[bigslinda]

I have a 2012 ram 2500, I have a permanent mount gooseneck ball in it, so I went with the Anderson ultimate hitch. It took less than 15 minutes to install and only took 2 tools to install. I pulled a 2017 Springdale 383rblok 250 miles home and never had an ounce of trouble. I got home and had it out of the bed in 5 minutes. I'll vouch for it any day of the week.

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[rfredward]

I have that same short bed truck in a 2014 including the air leveling. I have a 2018 Eagle 293RKDS and an Anderson hitch. I have my ball in the middle hole and with that I have 9" of bed clearance and can turn 90 degrees without interference. With that set-up I am running about 2-3 inches nose high. Next time we take it out I plan to fine tune the nose high ride. I can lower the bed with the auto level feature and if needed go to the lowest hole in the ball. I am very happy with my set-up.


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[Conradim]

Demco Highjacker

Not sure if the Dodge Puck system is the same as Ford's. I currently use a Demco 18K Highjacker Autoslide hitch with my F350. I have not noticed any change it the hitch height. I had a 18K Reese Elite hitch previously and the Demco is the same height as the Reese. The hitch does not use rails rather it used a simple gear system. I have pulled heavy 5th wheels thousands of miles with no issues. The peace of mind of the autoslide is nice when you need to make that tight maneuver. I use a access rollup bed cover when unhooked and it rolls over the top of the hitch with plenty of clearance.

Just my thoughts. Good luck.

 

[Garyp4951]

My choice would be the B&W, or Curt puck style hitch. The only reason I would go for the Anderson Ultimate would be for the ease of getting it in and out of the truck.

 

[vikefan7]

Do you know how much you can lower the rear with the auto level suspension? I have the superglide hitch and a 2017 2500 and I sit 6" high in the front with only 4" clearance at the tailgate. I'm wondering if that system would help at all. I think you hitch weight is lower on the BHDS than my BHOK, not by much, but the rear goes down about an inch even when i'm fully loaded. I'm probably over payload by a couple hundred pounds, have a 150 pound hitch in the bed and it won't go down....

 

[rfredward]

Not sure how far mine drops, guessing 2-3".


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[rfredward]

So I just measured mine. Without a load I measured 41.75" from ground to apex of my wheel well. After lowering I measured 40.25". IDK if or how this drop would be affected with a load.


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[jmcm15]

Thank you for the info!

You are correct, it does lower 1.5 inches but the auto level will keep it always 1.5 inches lower than stock height (rake) and will add air to the bags when a load is sensed.

I ordered the Anderson hitch this morning. I will update when I get it. I am hoping for good clearance and an almost 90 degree turn.

 

[vikefan7]

Not sure how far mine drops, guessing 2-3".


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@Doubleheader, what is the weight of your trailer if i might ask?

 

[rfredward]

Just over 10,000 dry


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[rfredward]

JMC15 you will not be disappointed in the Anderson hitch.


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