Comparing Sliding Hitch and Sidewinder for 2018 Ram 2500 with Short Bed and Factory Rail Kit

Question:

Hi! So I'm having a debate with myself. I have a new 2018 Ram 2500 with the short bed and factory rail kit. I am wondering if it will be better to go with a sliding hitch or to replace the lippert 1716 on my trailer with a Sidewinder. What do you recommend?

asked by: Owen

Expert Reply:

The best 5th wheel towing setup for your 2018 Ram 2500 that has the short bed is with a Reese Sidewinder Pin Box and a fixed hitch that mounts directly to the factory pucks in the bed.

There are a couple noticeable drawbacks to using a sliding hitch, such as its manual operation that requires you to leave the comfort of your cab before making sharp turns and its heavier overall weight that ramps up the difficulty level of installation and removal, that will be eliminated when using a Sidewinder. We also have Sidewinder models that feature an enclosed air spring to allow for an even smoother ride.

If you have the Lippert 1716 pin box on your trailer the Reese 5th Airborne Premium w/ Sidewinder # RP61412 will work perfectly. I have attached a short video demonstration that you can also check out.

For the fixed hitch I highly recommend the Reese M5 # RP30918. This is an excellent hitch that features an always-ready Talon jaw to provide both a secure connection with the trailer and a more comfortable ride. The hitch will drop right into the factory pucks on your Ram and it has a 20,000 pound towing weight capacity.

expert reply by: Chris R