Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch and Sidewinder for 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 with 5-1/2-Foot Bed

Question:

We have just bought a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 with the 5.5 ft box can you please tell me all the parts i need and kits to be able to tow my fifth wheel camper behind it. Thanks in advance

asked by: Kari

Expert Reply:

5th wheel towing with a 5-1/2-foot short-bed pickup such as your 2011 Ram 1500 will use a fixed 5th wheel hitch along with a specialized pivoting trailer pin box called a Sidewinder. This combination is the only way to give you the turning clearance you need for making tight maneuvers in a campground without risk of the trailer's overhang contacting the truck's cab.

I recommend selecting a hitch that has a few thousand pounds more capacity than your trailer actually weighs. This extra capacity gives you safety margin but also means the hitch will tend to function better and for a longer time before it needs routine maintenance. There is one rather unique hitch I'd like to call out, the Demco Recon # DM8550043. This 21K-rated hitch uses install kit # DM8552030-71.

The Recon is very lightweight compared to most other 21K models. Its total weight is under 120-lbs and it easily breaks down into three sections that weigh only 30 to 40-lbs each. If you sometimes have need to have a clear bed for cargo, then please consider this one hitch that offers you this low weight and easy disassembly advantage. The Recon is USA-made and includes important features like a 360-degree single jaw (reinforced with a 3/4-inch solid steel bar) that tightly grips your king pin for less chucking and rattle. For an in-bed wiring harness you can use Demco part # DM8555002.

To select the correct Sidewinder pivoting pin box you'll need to note the part number of the OEM pin box on the trailer now. We offer many Sidewinder models that are direct bolt-on replacements for the most popular OEM models. All of them appear on the linked page.

For example, if you have the very popular 1621 or 1621HD pin box you can use Sidewinder model # RP34FR or the air-cushioned 5th Airborne version # RP61422 which adds an adjustable rubber air bag to absorb road shock. Check out the linked video to see how the 5th Airborne works to make your ride quality smoother. You'll also use the custom Sidewinder wedge # SWW-05 to enable to Sidewinder to pivot at its rear turret. This change to the truck/trailer pivot point is what allows the Sidewinder to give you the 22-inches of added turning clearance.

Be sure to check your owner's manual for the 2011 Ram 1500 to confirm it has the towing capacity to match your trailer.