Recommendation for Fixed 5th Wheel Hitch and Rotating Pin Box on a 2016 Ram 3500 Short Bed

Question:

Hello, I have a 2016 RAM 3500 Mega cab short bed truck with a transfer flow tank in the bed. It is set up with after market rails to two a 5th wheel. Can we use a reese gooseneck king pin Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter - Lippert 1621 and 0719 - 20,000 lbs, or would we need to go with the sidewinder and buy a 5th wheel hitch? Our trailer is a 35ft 5th wheel with a Lipper 0719 king pin. We had a Anderson ranch goose neck adapter and bought the offset however there is not enough clearance. I have heard a sliding 5th wheel hitch is a good option however with the fuel tank in the bed I am limited with the room I have in front of the rails. =

asked by: Deborah

Helpful Expert Reply:

For your 2016 Ram 3500, you would need to use a fixed 5th wheel hitch with a rotating pin box. The Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter will not work on short bed trucks due to not having clearance needed for turning. However, although you must use a fixed 5th wheel hitch with a rotating pin box this is actually one of the better options for you as the rotating pin box is going to give you the most turning clearance and it works automatically so you don't need to enter and exit the truck each time you make a turn.

For a fixed 5th wheel hitch, I recommend the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # BWRVK3200 because it has dual 3/4" think jaws which will work phenomenally to reduce chukcing and jaring, more so than most other 5th wheel hitches on the market. It is also made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty. B&W hitches are considered by many to be the best there is.

For a rotating pin box, I recommend the Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin part # RP34FR because it will provide you with a 22" extension away from the cab which allows for proper turning clearance on short bed trucks. It also has a one-piece design for maximum strength and durability. In order for the B&W Patriot to work with the Reese Sidewinder you will also need to use the 5th Airborne Custom Wedge for B&W Fifth Wheels part # SWW-06.

I have attached review video for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L