5th Wheel Hitch Options for 2015 Ram 2500 Short Bed w/ Factory Tow/Prep Package

Question:

I have a 2015 Ram 3500 short bed truck with factory prep fifth wheel kit. Looking at two different ways to tow a 17k gross fifth wheel toy hauler. 1st, 20k slider hitch and oem/ reese rail set. 2nd. Reese 19k sidewinder and bandw 24k companion to factory mount What are your thoughts on the sidewinder ? Does it put to much extra stress on the trailers mounts at 90 degree turn? Thanks

asked by: Edward U

Expert Reply:

The B&W # BWRVK3600 Companion that mounts using the factory pucks would be a great option.

Because you wouldn't have enough clearance between the front of the fifth wheel and the truck cab using this option, you'd want to use a Sidewinder as well. The Sidewinder you'll need will depend on the manufacturer and model number of your existing pin box. That information can be found on a sticker or stamped into the existing pin box. I'll link you to our Sidewinder FAQ page-if you scroll to the bottom of the page, you can see the available Sidewinder models and a listing of which pin boxes they replace. This option would be on the expensive side, but you won't need to exit the truck cab to slide the hitch rearward for low speed maneuvering.

There are other options as well. You could use a sliding hitch, like the Curt A20, part # C16541 along with the # C16022 adapter rails that would allow the hitch to install into the pucks. This is a less expensive option, but you would have to exit the truck and actuate the slider to move the hitch rearward.

A third option would use the Demco Hijacker AutoSlide, part # DM8550034 and the adapter that would allow it to connect to the bed-mounted pucks, part # DM6099. This option is less expensive than the Sidewinder/hitch option, but would offer the convenience of not needing to exit the truck to slide the hitch rearward.