Recommended Turning Clearance Dimensions for Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab Towing 5th Wheel Trailer  

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Expert Reply:

If your Ram 1500's truck bed is 64-inches long (5.3-feet) then you cannot make a 90-degreen turn when pulling your 5th wheel trailer. If your bed length is 6-feet 4-inches (76-inches) then you may be able to make a near-90-degree turn but this will depend on the design of the trailer's nose. Short bed trucks usually require either a sliding hitch or a Sidewinder replacement pin box on the 5th wheel trailer to provide safe turning clearances unless the trailer has tapered nose.

Please take a look at the linked diagram that shows you the recommended minimum clearances for 5th wheels. This will help you determine if you can make 90-degree turns with your trailer.

If you wish you can use the linked article on Sidewinder replacement pin boxes to look up your current pin box brand and part number to see if there is a compatible Sidewinder pin box to replace it. There should be a sticker on the driver's side of the pin box that tells you its brand and parts number. Sidewinders bolt on in place of a standard pin box and give you 22-inches of additional clearance for making turns. For example, if you have a Lippert 1621 or 1621HD pin box you can use 20K Sidewinder # RP34FR or for an air-cushioned pin box to give you a smoother ride you can use 16K Sidewinder # RP61422.

expert reply by: Adam R

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