Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch to Use With Sidewinder on a 2012 Ram 3500 Mega Cab Dually

Question:

I have a 2012 Ram 3500 Mega Cab Dually short bed and a 1992 Fleetwood Wilderness 5th wheel with the RBW 7026 or 7028 last number is unreadable. I am wanting to get the 16,000 lbs Sidewinder recommended for the RBW 7028. I am curious as to which 5th wheel hitch you reccommend to match up for my truck? I believe Im not looking for a slider due to getting the sidewinder. I also have a BandW turn over ball in my truck if the BandW Companion is an option?

asked by: Steven

Expert Reply:

The Reese 5th Airborne Premium # RP61412 which is the upgrade to the Sidewinder would be a great option to replace an RBW 7028 pin box. Since I wasn't able to find a 7026 option, your pin box is most likely a 7028 but you will want to double check just to make sure if you are able to.

Since you are wanting to use a Sidewinder, the B&W Companion # BWRVK3500-5W is not the way to go. The Companion only attaches to the B&W Gooseneck Hitch via the one hole that the hitch ball would normally go into. Since the Sidewinder moves the pivot point to the turret these two towing options are not compatible with each other.

If you like the idea of having a clean and clear bed when not using a 5th wheel hitch then I recommend uninstalling your B&W hitch and installing the Reese Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit # RP30074 and using that with the Reese M5 Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30921.

Otherwise if you already have standard base rails like the Reese # RP50140-58 then I recommend going with the Reese Titan 20 5th Wheel Hitch # RP30867. I like the Titan line of Reese because they have the serrated dual-jaw design to secure the king pin and cushion to help minimize chucking and jarring of the trailer.

If you go with the M5 option you will need to use the Custom Wedge # RP44FR so it is compatible with the Sidewinder and if you decide to go with the Titan I recommend using the Wedge # RP30865.