Lightweight 5th Wheel Hitch Option for a 2018 Ram 3500 Short Bed with the Factory Prep Package

Question:

I do have the factory prep. The 5th wheel I will be getting is an Elkridge 31RLK loaded is a little over 13000 pounds and hitch 2340. I would like the lightest weight so I can remove easily. 1 option -Reese Goose Box. # 2 option Demco Recon and Reese sidewinder. Do you think either would work and other recommendations also? Thanks

asked by: Ernest

Helpful Expert Reply:

I do have a really good option for you but the two you listed cannot be done safely. The Reese Goose Box 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Air Ride Coupler Adapter part # RP85FR cannot be used on your 2018 Ram 3500 because it has a short bed. If you were to use the Reese Goose Box the loft of your trailer would likely come into contact with the cab of your vehicle causing thousands in damage. The Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter part # DM8550045 cannot be used with a rotating pin box like the Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret part # RP61420 due to the increased stress on the connection point.

The best option for you with ease of use in mind would be to still use the Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret part # RP34FR but instead of the Demco Recon Gooseneck-to-5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Adapter part # DM8550045 you would want to use the Reese M5 fifth wheel hitch # RP30918. You will also need wedge # RP44FR to keep the king pin from rotating inside the hitch.

Please note that the Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret part # RP34FR is designed to replace the following:

Lippert 0719, 1621 and 1621HD
Fabex 663 and 665
M&M 663 and 665

If you have a different pin box other than what is listed please just let me know.