Fifth Wheel Hitch and Install Kit Recommendation for 2009 Dodge Ram Crew Cab w/ 5-1/2 Foot Bed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The only way you'll be able to tow a fifth wheel with your Ram 1500 with the 5-1/2 foot bed is to use a stationary hitch with a Reese Sidewinder. A slider won't provide enough clearance between the rear of the truck cab and the front of the trailer loft. This will cause the trailer loft to strike the rear of the cab during turns, damaging both. The Sidewinder relocates the pivot between the 5th wheel and the truck from the hitch jaws, to a point 22 inches rearward where the pin box connects to the fifth wheel. In some cases, this provides enough clearance for 90 degree turns.

To determine which Sidewinder you need, you'll need to find the manufacturer and model number of your current pin box. Then, click on the Sidewinder link I've provided. You'll be taken to an FAQ article, and at the bottom of the page, there's a table showing the pin box models and the correct Sidewinder for each model. The article provides a full explanation of how the Sidewinder works, and shows a formula that will help you determine how much clearance you'll have between the truck and the 5th wheel.

I'd recommend the # RP30047 stationary hitch and the # RP30035-386 install kit. This will place your king pin about 1-1/2 inches forward of the rear axle centerline. You'll want to determine if your air bags aren't in the way of where the fifth wheel brackets would install. If the springs sit inside the OEM coils or sit where the jounce bumpers are, then they will NOT interfere with the hitch installation.,

You can install a 7-way trailer connector in your truck bed using # 41157. You can see an install video for the wiring by clicking the provided link.

expert reply by: Mike L

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