Will a Sidewinder Work with a Fixed Hitch on a 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 Short Bed
Question:
I am checking out my options for my 4x4 short bed 6.5 ft. club cap pu . 1998 Dodge 2500 4x4 diesel. with the sidewinder I can use a regular in bed hitch?? and do the 90* turns. This would replace my need for a slider???? any negatives compared to a slider.
asked by: ED
Expert Reply:
If you use a Sidewinder coupler on your 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 short bed, you will be able to use a regular fixed hitch in your truck bed. With the Sidewinder, the pivot point is moved 22 inches closer to the tailgate. This will create more space between the truck cab and your fifth wheel trailer when making sharp 90 degree turns. You will not want to use a Sidewinder with a slider hitch unless the slider hitch was locked and not allowed to slide.
You will not want to use a Sidewinder coupler on your vehicle if you are using the following hitches.
Curt Q or A series 5th-wheel trailer hitch
PullRite SuperGlide 5th-wheel trailer hitch
Reese Trail Boss 5th-wheel trailer hitch
B&W 5th-wheel trailer hitch
Colibert 208BW 5th-wheel trailer hitch
Hi-Rise gooseneck-to-5th-wheel adapter by Draw-Tite, Hidden Hitch, Bulldog and Reese
Any other gooseneck-to-5th-wheel adapter
The correct Sidewinder for your 1998 Dodge Ram 2500 depends on the make and model of the pin box on the trailer. The pin box number will typically be located on a sticker or stamping on the OEM pin box. You should also contact the trailer manufacturer to make sure the trailer frame can withstand the stress of a Sidewinder. If you want to let me know the pin box number on your trailer, I will be glad to help you choose the correct Sidewinder for your vehicle. I've also attached our help guide article that will help you identify your bolt pattern.
I am including a link to a FAQ page on Sidewinders that will tell you how to choose a Sidewinder and a chart that will list which Sidewinder will fit which pin box. For example the # RP61412 will fit a Lippert 1116 or 1716 bolt pattern.
There are really no disadvantages when using a Sidewinder instead of a slider hitch.
