Fifth Wheel Hitch and Sidewinder Recommendation for 2017 Ram 1500 5-1/2 Bed

Question:

MY QUESTION IS ON THE INSTALLATION KIT, WILL I HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH INSTALLING THIS ON MY 2017 RAM REBEL 1500, 5.5 BED WITH THE AIR SHOCK SYSTEM BUILT IN THE TRUCK.

asked by: TIM V

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Max Turn Technology feature of your Keystone Cougar basically is a narrower nose that allows better clearance with short bed trucks. But since your truck bed is 5-1/2 feet you still would need a Sidewinder as the added clearance is not going to be quite enough. Your trailer should have a Lippert 1621 pin box so the correct Sidewinder would be the part # RP34FR. I'd still recommend verifying the pin box since you didn't mention the model of your Cougar.

For a fifth wheel hitch you'd then want a fixed hitch like the Reese part # RP30047. This is a 16k hitch that has a great jaw design that will provide excellent king pin contact. It also is made by same company as Sidewinder so they work great together. For a rail kit you'd then want a custom install kit part # RP50142-58 since custom install kits will minimize drilling and install time. The wedge you'd then need is the part # SWW-03.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Tim V.

2/7/2019

MY QUESTION IS ON THE INSTALLATION KIT, WILL I HAVE ANY ISSUES WITH INSTALLING THIS ON MY 2017 RAM REBEL 1500, 5.5 BED WITH THE AIR SHOCK SYSTEM BUILT IN THE TRUCK.