Ram short bed with Cougar half ton

[TandM]

Looking for some input on Keystone half ton fifth wheels. We are looking at the 24 RDS or the 25 RES as our first two choices to purchase. We have a 2019 Ram 2500 diesel CrewCab short bed (6'-4" box) for pulling. Our last fifth wheel was a VanLeigh Pinecrest and we were limited to less than an 80 degree turn without smashing into the rear window. We avoided that disaster but wanted to see if the "Max Turn" on the Cougar half tons solved that issue for better slow motion tight turns in campgrounds. I do not want to go with a slider hitch unless absolutely necessary. Any one have a similar pulling set up and if you do, what is your cab clearance on the half ton fivers with a regular hitch?

And let me say thank you to all the Chevy and Ford truck owners in advance before you all respond. Glad your systems work but the bed lengths and axle position and are different on the Ram so I'm just looking for specific input on that configuration

[Canonman]

I use the Anderson Ultimate hitch (no slider) on my 2007.5 Ram crew cab short bed.
I have made "U" turns at intersections and have had to make a couple of 3 point turns where the nose of our Cougar was past he back corner of the truck cab.
I've not had any "contact" problems. Except when the DW gives me a "dope slap" for getting us into those situations

[chuckster57]

If your considering an Anderson:

https://www.keystoneforums.com/forum...=Anderson+memo


I don’t anything against it, just want potential buyers to be aware as I’m almost sure the salesperson/dealership either doesn’t know or won’t tell.

[coop341]

I have a 2017 Quad cab short bed diesel ram and a Cougar 25RES. I also use an Anderson ultimate hitch. I switched hitches to get the 200+ lbs pull-rite auto slider out of the bed of my truck, needed less load and wanted a hitch I could take out by myself.
I towed my trailer down to the end of our street which is a cul de sac. I started my turn then stopped and backed up jack knifing the trailer until I was about 2” away from hitting the cab. I estimated I was somewhere around 85-87deg angle. I was happy with that.

[Poppy]

I have a 2006 Ram quad cab with a short bed, pulling 2019 25RES. I used the Anderson Ultimate and never had an issue, even with a u-turn

[sourdough]

I have the truck in my sig which will have the same bed as yours. I use the Andersen and have no problems with short turns. I do not however try to do 90 degree turns or close to them. I did take it in our open property and check it out and I was pushing my trailer tires sideways well before it got to my truck cab. Short of 90 but at least 85 I'm sure. On pavement it would just tear up the tires.

I think Chuck linked the Keystone memo so read that before you buy a hitch if you are buying a new trailer. I'm with you, I have no need for a 2-300lb. hitch. Notice the memo will say "hitch pin adapter"...they refer to the kingpin and adapters that you put there. Other hitch manufacturers make adapters for the ball and use a regular 5th wheel hitch. I've looked at some of those but would get the Reese Goose Box before I did that and it's covered by both the Lippert and Keystone warranties.

[Roper46]

I have used my Andersen Ultimate for two years with my 5er with no problems. Love it.

[fjr vfr]

I have a 2500 short bed and 2011 Laredo with the curved corners. I need to go pretty close to 90 degrees every time I back into my driveway with a slight uphill. I have not come close to hitting the cab in the last 5 years. I have a standard 5th wheel hitch...no problems.
If your trailer has the curved corners I would think you'd not have any issues with a standard 5th wheel hitch. That's my experience anyway.

[jancoe1]

I have a 14 2500 short box ram. With a gooseneck in the bed. I have a b&w companion slider goose to 5th wheel hitch. I pull a 16 keystone hideout 308. I need the slider. Most rams need the slider in the short box. Have you considered a sidewinder or turning point pin box? With a standard 5th hitch?

[jancoe1]

My friend also has a 19 ram 3500 short box. He pulled a 2021 Montana and now a 22 grand design reflection. He has the 20k sidewinder on the 5th wheel with a standard 5th hitch in the bed with the pucks.

[Ramtop]

We have a 2019 Ram 2500 4x4 Crew Cab 6.4L Hemi. Tow a 2014 Sprinter 269fwrls Copper Canyon. Truck has a B&W Companion slider hitch for the gooseneck connection. We have never used the slider. I have a Magnum backrack and we have to be careful not to hit it but can make around a 75 degree turn. Without the backrack, I am sure that you could go 80-85 degrees.

[Gillbrak]

We have a mega cab short bed towing a cougar sport 2700bh and can get pretty close to 90 without any issue. Hitch is a Demco UMS which is a non-sliding hitch.

[pakuma]

We have a 2019 Ram 2500 with the factory puck system and I tow a 29RKWS (1/2 ton towable).
I use Pull Rite Slider and have never had a problem.