Comparing Sliding Hitch vs. Sidewinder for 40-Foot Toy Hauler Towed by 2014 Short-Bed Ram 2500

Question:

Looking to buy a hitch for a 2014 Ram 2500 short bed 6 with hitch prep. Looking to buy a Toy Hauler in the 35-42foot range, which could range from 12k-14k lbs. Will I need a slider or is it better to get a solid hitch and a different Trailer pin?

asked by: Sean

Expert Reply:

In your application with a roughly 40-foot toy hauler towed by your short-bed Ram 2500 a Sidewinder replacement pin box is the way to go.

A sliding 5th wheel hitch like the Curt Q16 # C16521 can give a short bed truck like your 2014 Ram 2500 up to 12-inches of additional turning clearance. On the other hand, a Sidewinder replacement 5th wheel pin box, when used with a fixed 5th wheel hitch, gives you a full 22-inches of additional turning clearance.

Sidewinders are made as replacements for specific OEM pin boxes. You can check to see if a suitable Sidewinder is available for your new trailer by first finding out what OEM pin box it uses. You can then check for that pin box in the linked article, which includes a table of Sidewinder applications.

Let's say for example that your new toy hauler will have the popular Lippert 1621HD pin box. In this case we offer the Reese 16K Sidewinder # RP34FR and the 16K air-cushioned # RP61422. Either one will bolt right up in place of your OEM pin box. No drilling and no welding.

The fixed 5th wheel hitch I suggest is the B&W # BWRVK3600. This USA-made hitch is rated well above your actual trailer weight to give you a large safety margin and it includes features like beefy 1-inch thick dual jaws for tight king pin contact, a fully-articulating head for easier hitching, 3 height settings and simple drop-in installation in your Ram's factory rail kit. This hitch will work great with a Sidewinder. Review and installation videos for this excellent 5th wheel hitch are linked for you.