Recommended Fifth Wheel And Gooseneck Hitches For 2012 Ram 1500 With Short Bed  

If your 2012 Ram 1500 did not come with the factory tow package included, you will have to do some drilling in the frame when installing a fifth wheel hitch or a gooseneck hitch. Unless it is either stated in the manual or if a dealership would recommend against towing a fifth wheel trailer, I am not aware of there being an issue with fifth wheel towing. If you decide you would like a fifth wheel, you are right that a Sidewinder will be needed with your truck with the short bed. We would need to know what the make and model pin box is on your trailer to find the correct Sidewinder replacement. You would also need a fixed fifth wheel hitch installed in your truck bed. I recommend a fifth wheel like part # RP30928. This is a 20,000 lb fixed fifth wheel hitch and features a single jaw that is always ready to receive so you don't have to open the hitch before hooking up . The rails for a fifth wheel hitch for your Ram are part # RP30035-386. These are standard above bed rails. For a clean look in the bed of your truck I recommend the B and W Gooseneck, part # BWGNRK1309. This installs beneath the bed of your truck and when not towing gives you the complete use of your truck bed. I then recommend the B&W Companion Gooseneck-to-5th-Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter, part # BWRVK3500. This attaches to the gooseneck in the bed of your truck and allows you to be able to tow your fifth wheel trailer.