Does 2019 Ram 3500 Short Bed Need Slider Hitch to Tow Trailer with Turn Tech Engineering Nose

Question:

I have a 2019 Dodge RAM 3500 6.7 diesel with a 6-1/2foot bed. We are purchasing a 2016 Coachman Chaparral. It is a 336TSIK, and has the turn-tech engineering and a Lippert 1621 pin box. According to what Ive been reading, some people say that you wont need a slider hitch, and others say that you do, with this trailer and a short bed truck. Would you guys recommend a slider for those tight turns that you might get yourself into, or changing the pin box and go with a fixed hitch? Looking for the best maneuverability. Ive asked similar questions, but have more information on the pin box. Thank you very much

asked by: Jim

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Turn Tech of your 2016 Coachman Chaparral 336TSIK was designed to give short bed trucks like yours the needed clearance to make tight turns without requiring a slider hitch. Since not all short bed trucks have the same length bed you'll get mixed results on this. Your bed is 6-1/2 feet long which is on the longer side which means you'd have the best chance possible to get away with just a fixed hitch like the Companion for Ram rail kits part # BWRVK3600 that fits the factory rail kit of your 2019 Ram 3500.

What I would recommend you do is start with just the Companion hitch and see if you have the clearance. I think you will but you may as well test and see. If not you could swap out your Lippert 1621 pin box for a Sidewinder part # RP34FR and you'd for sure have the clearance. Sidewinders also help the tow vehicle track better behind the truck and make backing the trailer up easier so they are a really great thing to have on a fifth wheel trailer regardless if absolutely needed. You would also need the Companion wedge part # RP74FR if you go this route as this holds the hitch the Sidewinder the best.

expert reply by: Jameson C