Reese 5th Airborne Sidewinder for Use with 2017 Ram 2500 Short-Bed Pickup
Question:
I have a 2017 RAM 2500 with 6.4 bed and crew cab. I am looking at a 30 ft fifth wheel that has a Lippert 1621king pin. I am considering changing the king pin to the Reese 5th Airborne w/Sidewinder as apposed to going with a slider hitch. Would this option be better than using a slider or would a slider be better? What are the trade offs of each? I do not have a hitch yet and would like something that can be removed easily so that I can still use the truck when not towing. I really like the Anderson 35 pound aluminum hitch but dont know if that would work with the Reese kingpin. What would you recommend for a hitch if I went with the Reese Airborne? Thanks.
asked by: Gary K
Expert Reply:
Sidewinder replacement pivoting 5th wheel pin boxes provide more clearance than all but a few sliding hitches, a full 22-inches. Most slider hitches range from 10- to 14-inches of slider travel. Unlike most sliders, Sidewinders do not require you to get out of your truck every time you need to make a tight turn. The slider hitches and install kits for your 2017 Ram 2500 with 6-1/2-foot bed (and without the factory rail kit) are shown on the linked page.
The Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel adapter # AM3200 is low in cost and lightweight, but it can only be used with fixed pin boxes, not pivoting Sidewinders.
No matter which hitch you select I suggest a custom base rail install kit that will save you time during the installation. These require less drilling. Since they are share industry-standard design you can use any brand of rails with any brand of hitch. The install kit I suggest is the Reese # RP50054-58 since it costs less. An installation video showing a Ram 2500 is linked for you.
The 5th Airborne Sidewinder you can use in place of the Lippert 1621 pin box is Reese # RP61422. This 16K-rated king pin will both provide extended turning clearance and improve your ride by cushioning the connection between the truck and trailer. With the Sidewinder you will use a fixed 5th wheel hitch in your base rails.
For an in-bed wiring harness for the 5th wheel you can use # 50-97-410 which offers simple plug-in installation.
Products Referenced in This Question
5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Plug - GM, Ford, Ram, Toyota - 9' Long
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 9 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Bargman
more information >
Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System with Adapter - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- No Pivot
- 15-3/4 - 18 Inch Tall
- Andersen
more information >
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