Fifth Wheel Hitch Install Kit for 2012 Ram 1500 With 5-1/2ft Bed

Question:

Need to see if there's a fifth wheel hitch install kit for a 5 1/2ft box.

asked by: Jay

Expert Reply:

Reese offers a fifth wheel install kit for your 2012 Dodge Ram with the 5-1/2 foot bed. The # RP30035-386 is compatible unless your truck has the Rambox option.

Due to the very short bed on your truck, the only way you'll be able to safely negotiate turns without the front of the trailer hitting the rear of the truck cab would be to install a Sidewinder replacement pin box. The Sidewinder relocates the pivot point between the fifth wheel and the truck from the king pin/hitch jaw to the point where the pin box attaches to the fifth wheel. This extra 22 inches of clearance will allow a larger turning radius, up to 90 degrees in some cases.

The model Sidewinder you need is dependent on the manufacturer and model number of the pin box you currently have. This information should be on a sticker placed on your pin box. If you look at the Sidewinder FAQ page I've linked to, you can see a table at the bottom of the page that shows which Sidewinder models are compatible with which OEM pin boxes. You'll also see a clearance formula that will help you determine how much clearance you'll have the between the fifth wheel and truck.

If you don't already have a 7-way trailer connector in the bed of your truck, you can install one using part # 41157.

expert reply by: Mike L