Best Fifth Wheel Trailer Towing Setup Recommendation for a Short Bed Truck

Question:

I have a weekend warrior CL4005 fifth wheel had been using a 16k underbed Reese slider hitch that has recently broke. I believe cause it was under-rated for my 5th wheel. I am wanting to go with a new set up without re-drilling I do not want to go with the Reese 18k slider unit. Not happy with the way it operated. I have looked into the Reese adaptors to change hitch style and the sidewinders. What is you best option? I also have looked at Pullrite but not really sure if it can be installed on the Reese under-bed kit to make in the bed rails.

asked by: Angelo

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you have a set of Elite fifth wheel rails already installed in the bed of your short bed truck and you are looking for a new hitch and would prefer not to use a slider.

The best option for you would be a stationary hitch and a Sidewinder pin box. Sidewinders are great because they allow a short bed truck like yours to make sharp turns without having to use a slider. So no more getting in and out of the truck everytime you get to a parking lot.

You will need to remove the pin box of the trailer and replace it with a Sidewinder pin box. Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have now in order to pick out the correct one.

Since your 16k hitch was under-rated I would recommend going with a higher capacity hitch like the Reese Select Plus fifth wheel hitch part # RP30928. This is one of the nicest hitches around that would work well for you. It has a premium hook jaw that will provide excellent king pin contact. I attached a review video for you to check out as well.

Since you have Elite rails in your truck bed you will also want the Elite adapter # RP30156.

There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.

Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.