Sidewinder to Replace Trailair for Lippert 1621 and Lightestweight Fifth Wheel Hitch

Question:

We just purchased a 2022 Ram 1500, crew cab, short bed 57 with a 5.7L v8 etorque engine. Our 5th wheel set up with the Andersen hitch from our old truck wont work as the bed rails are much deeper in the new truck and the pin box is not even close to clearing the sides. Im wanting to purchase a Reese sidewinder pin box, but Im not sure how to tell which pin box I currently own. I have a Trailair Rota-Flex 18,000 lbs. The sticker on the side gives an LCI item number and s/n, but doesnt say which pin box. Im adding a few photos for reference. I will also be replacing the Andersen hitch. We have industry standard above bed rails already installed. Im considering the Demco Recon DM8550043 and the Curt A16 C16120. As our truck has a payload of 1615 lbs, I want the hitch to be as lite as possible and still work with the sidewinder. Do you have a recommendation of one of these hitches over the other?

asked by: Tisha C

Expert Reply:

I sent the picture of your pin box to Lippert so they could identify it and they stated you have a Lippert 1621 model so the correct cushioned Sidewinder would be the part # RP61422 that you referenced. If you didn't want the cushioned feature you could also use the Sidewinder part # RP34FR.

Your Andersen Ultimate can't be used with the Sidewinder and since you are wanting the lightest hitch possible that would be the Demco Recon part # DM8550043 which only weighs 89 lbs. You will also need to use the wedge part # SWW-05 and you'd be set.

expert reply by: Jameson C