Can a 2010 Dodge Ram 1500 with 5-1/2 Foot Bed Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer  

Question:

Expert Reply:

First, since your truck bed is shorter than 6 feet, you are going to have to use a fixed 5th wheel hitch in the truck and a Sidewinder replacement pin box on the trailer. The Sidewinder moves the pivot point on the truck back 22 inches so you can make tighter turns without hitting the truck cab and trailer together.

Even with a Sidewinder, if the trailer is wide enough you might not have all the clearance you will need. The other issue is that Sidewinders only fit certain pin boxes. I would need to know the manufacturer and model number of the pin box. This information should be on a sticker or plate on the pin box itself. I have also included a link to a help article on Sidewinders for you.

If there is a Sidewinder that will fit your trailer then next you will need an installation kit and a hitch. You can use semi-custom kit # RP30035-386 which will provide you with industry standard above the bed rails. And for a hitch I recommend the 16K Pro Series hitch # RP30047. It is a solid entry level hitch with 4-Way pivoting head and dual jaw design for good king pin contact.

To determine if a Sidewinder will provide enough clearance you can take some measurements. First, once installed the center of the hitch jaws will be 1-1/2 inches forward of the center of the rear axle. Measure from there to the back of the truck cab and then add 22 inches (measurement A).

Next measure the width of the front of the 5th wheel trailer and divide by 2 to get half (measurement B). Measurement A has to be at least 4 inches MORE than measurement B in order to safely make 90 degree turns.

expert reply by: Michael H

0