Hooking up Trailer that has Sidewinder with Taller 2017 Ford F-250 and Reese Rail Adapter

Question

Question:

Hi, I have a 2017 Ford F-250 short box truck, I have a regular Reese hitch with the Reese elite series under bed rail adapter. Also my fifth wheel has a sidewinder on it . Well here’s my question I had it installed and the truck is a lot higher than my F150 was so they messed with the sidewinder and the hitch, but it still sits at a small angle, it is so hard to hook up if your unlevel at all. Would I be better off getting a Reese elite hitch, and getting rid of the under bed rail adapter. Thanks

asked by: Janet

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Reese Elite Series Underbed Rail Adapter # RP30156 that you referenced will add about 3" from where the factory pucks are on your 2017 Ford F-250. Although 3" does not seem like a lot, it could affect how easy it is to hookup your trailer to your F-250.

You can definitely switch to one of the Reese M5 5th wheel hitches if that makes hooking up your trailer easier. The M5 # RP30921 is rated for 20K and has a height adjustment from 14" - 18", while part # RP30922 is rated for 27K and can be adjusted from 14- 18" tall.

If this doesn't change the much from the height of your current hitch head then it could be that you have an older model 5th wheel hitch that doesn't account for unlevel ground very well. You could try using the 20K M5 # RP30928 for an upgrade with your adapter if you need to. This has a 4-Way pivoting head that makes hookup easier, even on unlevel ground.

No matter which of these hitches you choose you'll need to use the custom wedge # RP44FR.

I have attached some review videos for you to check out at well.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

Answer 1

The Reese Revolution is a OEM pin box that is installed on your Jayco trailer, and it is a sidewinder style of pinbox. The sidewinder pinboxes are intended to be used with truck beds that shorter than 6 feet, and allow for the execution of a full 90…

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Answer 2

Did you take this measurement from the bottom of the king pin or the bottom of the king pin plate? If you took the measurement from the bottom of the king pin and not the plate that would explain the height difference issue you are having. The part…

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Answer 3

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 4

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 5

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 6

Hey Jay. It sounds like you are on the right track here because a sidewinder pin box will be your only option for pulling your 5th wheel since you have a short bed truck with the Rambox. That said, you are right that the Reese Sidewinder cannot be…

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Answer 7

I spoke with my contact at Trailair and from your serial number we were able to determine that your trailer came with a 1621 HD pin box which is a long pin box style. I was unable to obtain the exact part number for your Trailair pin box but from the…

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Answer 8

If you take a look at the linked diagram you can see the minimum recommended clearance distances between truck and trailer for 5th wheel towing. It is recommended to have at least 5-inches from the top of the bed rails to the bottom of the trailer…

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Answer 9

There is a way to to a fifth wheel trailer with your 2020 Ram 2500 that has the Ramboxes but you have to install a Sidewinder pin box on the trailer so that the pivot point is raised up high enough that there isn't interference between the pin…

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Answer 10

There are a couple of options that'll work great with your Lippert Turning Point Pin Box, however one hitch stands out to me more than others. Take a look at the: -Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs #C16115 This 5th…

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Answer 11

So for your set up, a 2021 Ram 2500 short bed with the RamBoxes, you will need to use a Sidewinder in order to have the clearance to tow a 5th wheel. The Goose Box doesn't move the pivot point and an offset ball just won't be enough for…

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Answer 12

The new Rhino Box from Lippert currently has no replacements so you won't be able to swap out this pin box with a Sidewinder to add more turning clearance. Because of this you'll have to use a sliding 5th wheel hitch in your 6.5' bed to…

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