Comparing Sliding Hitch and Sidewinder for 5th Wheel Towing With a 2020 Ram 1500 5.5 Bed

Question:

I have a Reese 16k dual articulating hitch and will be installing on my 2020 ram 1500 with the 65inch box. I am towing a 2018 Winnebago 25 RKS fifth wheel and want to have more maneuverability in tight spots. My options are a sidewinder or slide. What do you recommend? The distance from the rear axle to the cab is 40 inches. The nose of the RV extends 7 inches beyond the centre of the king pin. In other words, when hitched, the nose of the RV would be 33 inches from the cab. The nose is curved with the corners approximately 9" back from the nose of the RV. The trailer is the standard 96 inches wide.

asked by: Carl Y

Expert Reply:

The best option I have for a 2020 Ram 1500 with 5-1/2' bed would be to use the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # DM8550040 which would require the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit part # DM8552032-71. The reason this is the best option is because it allows you to make full 90 degree turns without having to change out the pin box on the trailer. It is actually the only sliding fifth wheel hitch with enough travel to do this and the slider is automatic so there is no getting in and out of the truck each time.

expert reply by: Conner L