Why Can't Demco Recon Fifth Wheel Hitch Be Used with Sidewinder Pin Box

Question:

I have a 2008 dodge ram 2500 mega cab

asked by: Craig

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since Sidewinder pin boxes pivot and twist in a different way from standard pin boxes they require fifth wheel hitches to be attached to the truck in four points around the perimeter of the hitch. That's why you can't use a Sidewinder with a Demco Recon # DM8550045 since it connects to the truck via a gooseneck ball only which is right down the middle of the hitch.

If you can get me the year/make/model of your truck I can recommend best hitch setup to tow a trailer with a Sidewinder pin box.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Craig

7/11/2019

I have a 2008 dodge ram 2500 mega cab

Jameson C.

7/11/2019

To use a Sidewinder with your 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 short bed mega cab will require the use of a fixed hitch like the Reese part # RP30047 installed in a set of fifth wheel rails like the # RP50140-58 which is a custom fit rail kit for your truck. This means a shorter install time that will be much easier as well. Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have now in order to pick out the correct one. There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer. Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.