Last Updated on May 3, 2023 by Will Sabel
There are thousands of hitches on the market today to suit different purposes. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but no worries, I will break down everything you need to know when buying the best gooseneck hitch for Ram 2500.
In addition, I’ll discuss the criteria you need to use to narrow your search for a suitable model. By the way, a fifth-wheel hitch is another name for a gooseneck hitch.
What to Look for in Ram 2500 Gooseneck Hitch
The best gooseneck hitch is one that suits your needs. However, when choosing which gooseneck hitch is right for you, several factors should be taken into consideration.
One of the most important aspects of any gooseneck hitch is the ability to tow a particular load. In many cases, this will be determined by the vehicles and the trailer’s weight.
However, other factors can affect how much weight you can tow with your particular setup.
For example, you could have a hitch that can handle up to 10,000 pounds but still be unable to tow anything over 5,000 pounds. Well, the reason is the vehicle you’re using isn’t strong enough to handle it without breaking down or getting damaged.
The size of the ball is essential because it must fit securely into your trailer coupler. For example, if you have a 4-inch ball and want to install it onto a 2-inch coupler, there will be some play or wiggle room when you try to connect them together, resulting in damage over time.
A heavy ball will provide more stability for your trailer and reduce swaying. The ball weight is the amount of load allowed by a specific size. For example, a 5/8-inch ball can handle up to 10,000 pounds, while a 1-inch one can handle up to 20,000 pounds.
However, the excessive weight will also increase fuel consumption by increasing the load on your truck engine’s powertrain system.
The next question is, how easy is it going to be to install this gooseneck hitch? There are two types of installation- bolt-on and weld-on.
Bolt-on hitching systems are easy to install because they use existing holes in your vehicle’s frame rather than require new ones.
Weld-on systems require welding onto the frame of your vehicle. Therefore, it may require more work by a professional mechanic or possibly even removing some parts from inside the car for them to be adequately welded.
Best Gooseneck Hitch For Ram 2500
I talked with several truck owners, even with the experts who have experience using the gooseneck hitch for Ram 2500. After all the discussion, I ended up with the top-five hitch that’ll set your mind at rest.
B&W Trailer GNRK1320 Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch
The Turnoverball Gooseneck Hitch is an excellent choice for truck owners who want to tow heavy loads without worrying about their hitch breaking down.
This solid, robust, and reliable piece of equipment can handle up to 30,000 pounds of weight capacity. Plus, it has a vertical load limit of 7,500 pounds, which is more than enough to carry your trailer and whatever else you want to haul.
The best part? It comes with a powder-coat finish that is durable enough to withstand whatever you throw at it and look good.
Besides, this GNRK1320 hitch from B&W Trailer is designed to bolt on existing holes in your truck’s frame, so you won’t need to do any drilling or welding. Don’t waste your time with bolts that won’t fit. Just attach this hitch to your truck and get to work fast.
The ball is a heavy-duty 2-5/16-inch diameter, so you can haul any load without worrying about damaging your hitch.
Most essential, you’ll receive all the necessary mounting hardware for installation. Before installation, there is no need to weld or remove the truck bed. For U bolts safety chains, you’ll need to drill a 3 and ½-inch diameter hole and 11/16-inch holes.
B&W’s gooseneck hitch has a 5/8-inch steel locking pin that runs all the way through the ball. This ensures that your trailer won’t move when you’re driving.
You can set this up for 2019-2022 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks. Overall, this is the best gooseneck hitch for ram 2500 for people who want to haul heavy loads, effortless installation, and security.
Pros
- 30,000 pounds weight capacity and 7,500 pounds vertical load limit
- Ensures durability with the powder-coat finish
- Requires no welding or drilling for ease of installation
- 5/8-inch locking pin to keep the trailer steady
- Comes with all essential mounting hardware
Cons
- The handle lacks rubber, causing hand fatigue
CURT 60614 Equipment Style
I bring to you an OEM-compatible gooseneck hitch that is built explicitly for Ram 2500 or 3500 pickup trucks. With this hitch installed on your car, you’ll always be ready to tow and haul anything anywhere.
The CURT 60614 is a heavy-duty hitch that can handle up to 30,000 pounds of gross trailer weight and 7,500 pounds of vertical load. If you need to haul large or heavy loads, or even multiple trailers at once, this hitch is perfect for you.
You won’t find many hitches that can give you the same connection that this hitch does. Thanks to its 5/8-inch safety chain loops, you’ll get a reliable link, and it’s made from heavy-duty steel construction.
Further, it eliminates the need for a side handle with its patented 2-5/16-inch ball. With this one, you can just get right into work. Besides, it is designed for use with 1-¼ -inch x 1-¼ -inch receiver hitches, so it’s the best gooseneck hitch for ram 2500 for those who want to tow small trailers or mount a cargo carrier or bike rack.
The installation process is straightforward, with no welding or bed flange trimming required and no need to remove your truck bed or hitch. In 45 minutes or less, you can bolt it on under your truck bed.
And when you’ve got a good hitch, you’ll want to protect it from rust and corrosion. That’s why it’s protected by an A-coat that’s highly durable, liquid, and rust-resistant.
Pros
- 7,500 vertical loads and 30,000 GWT for hauling multiple trailers
- Provides secure connection by the 5/8-inch steel-made safety chain loops
- 1-¼ -inch x 1-¼ -inch receiver hitches for added versatility
- Painless to install because of its bolt-on process
- Long-lasting and prevents rust because of having the A-coat
Cons
- Might need assistance during installation
B&W Trailer Turnoverball GNRK1384
Another B&W Trailer takes place on our list because of its outstanding straightforward features. Like its predecessor, it’s a durable hitch with all the materials to help you out during heavyweight hauling.
Its 7,500 pounds gross tongue weight lets you haul just about anything without worry, and its 30,000 pounds carrying capacity means that you’ll be able to get even bigger loads out of it yet.
The 2-5/16-inch ball has a simple design that makes locking it into place quickly. And all mounting hardware is included, so you won’t have to worry about making extra trips to the hardware store when you get your new trailer home.
This B&W trailer hitch features a 5/8-inch-thick spring-loaded locking pin that mounts directly to your current bolt holes in your frame. You can lock the locking pin into place with an easy thumb push. Plus, you can even pull it out with one hand without fear of it coming loose.
Moreover, its powder coat finish will protect it against corrosion and chipping. So, no matter how long you use the GNRK1384, it will maintain its beauty and functionality.
If you ask my opinion, I’ll go for this GNRK1384 because of its spring-loaded pin instead of the GNRK1320.
Pros
- Superb weight capacity to carry massive loads
- It is easy to lock the 2-5/16-inch ball
- Effortless to lock the 5/8-inch locking pin
- Powder coat finish prevents corrosion
Cons
- Some find it hard to follow the instruction
CURT 60633 Factory Original Style Hitch
The CURT 60633 gooseneck hitch is the perfect solution for any truck owner looking for a way to transport various equipment easily.
This hitch can carry up to 35,000 pounds of gross trailer weight so that you can move the heaviest item with it. It’s a one-person installation that won’t take long and won’t require any additional hardware or installation brackets, drill bits, or welding.
It has heavy-duty 5/8-inches safety chain loops that will provide a secure connection. You can rest assured that it won’t break, even under extreme stress.
Installation is also made much easier with the patented center locator. You, therefore, will be able to find the correct hole quickly without needing to measure beforehand.
Furthermore, the CURT 60633 features a unique 2-5/16-inch ball that removes any need for a side handle. This hitch has also been safety tested in compliance with SAE J2638 requirements.
The ball is protected by a highly durable A-coat finish that prevents rust and corrosion, allowing you to enjoy this sturdy hitch’s benefits for years to come.
Pros
- 35,000 pounds weight capacity
- Doesn’t require brackets or additional hardware for ease of installation
- 5/8-inches strong loop chains to ensure secure joining
- Completely safe as it is being tested with SAE J2638
- A-coat finish for making it long-lasting
Cons
- Reportedly, the design is somewhat poor
CURT 60618 Puck System Hitch Kit
Last but not least on the list is the 60618 Hitch Kit from CURT. It’s appropriate for people who want a perfect fit for trucks and vans.
A forged steel ball joins with a perfectly machined cast steel anchor to create a hitch ball that can withstand up to 7500 pounds of vertical load. It’s also rated for 30,000 pounds Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), so you know it can handle heavy cargo. The ball even includes a chrome-plated finish for added durability.
The 2-5/16-inches gooseneck ball features a quarter-turn latch mechanism to keep your shank locked in place. So, you won’t ever have to worry about it coming loose unexpectedly.
Plus, the shank is also equipped with a retention ball that keeps the shank fully locked into the hitch, eliminating the need for tools to remove it.
It requires a simple drop-in installation means you won’t need any tools for installation. This is great for anyone who isn’t exactly a handyman or those who don’t want to waste time trying to get the right tools when they could be out enjoying their gooseneck trailers instead.
Moreover, this kit from CURT includes everything you need to get up and running, including the ball, 2 safety chain anchors, a rubber hole cover, and a storage case.
Pros
- The ball comes with a chrome-plated finish for added durability
- Integrates quarter-turn latch for locking the shank properly
- Retention ball to keep the shank securely locked
- Simple to install owing to the drop-in installation system
- Chain anchor has a black powder coat finish to make it robust
Cons
- Reportedly, the ball is not high rise
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of a gooseneck hitch?
The gooseneck hitch has many benefits. The first is that it lets you tow your trailer without worrying about how much weight is in the bed of your truck. The second is that it allows you to move your trailer around without disconnecting it from your car.
Third, it gives you more room in the back of your truck when it’s not being used. Finally, the gooseneck hitch can be used on any vehicle with a flatbed or pickup bed.
Can I install the gooseneck hitch by myself?
You can, in fact, install a gooseneck hitch yourself. Find the instructions on the manufacturer’s website, but you should get professional assistance if unfamiliar with vehicle maintenance or mechanical repairs.
Get a welder, an impact wrench, and a torque wrench if your car requires them. You’ll also need a jack and stand if you’re working on uneven terrain. But before you start working, make sure your vehicle bed has enough room for the hitch. You don’t want to wreck your car or your stuff!
How to tow with a gooseneck hitch?
If you have a gooseneck hitch, you can tow it by ensuring that your vehicle is compatible with your trailer. To tow with a gooseneck hitch, you will attach the ball to the receiver and connect the safety chains to the trailer’s coupler.
Verdict
I believe it is essential to choose the best product that fits your needs and has features that make it easy to use. With so many options available on the market today, I hope this guide helps you narrow down what works best for your needs!
