5th Wheel Trailer hitch and Installation Kit for a 2013 Dodge Ram with 5-1/2 Foot Bed
Question:
I have a 2013 Dodge Ram with air ride system with 5.7 box need 5th wheel hitch and slider
asked by: Mark
Expert Reply:
On beds shorter than 6 feet you will need a fixed hitch and a Sidewinder on the trailer to be able to even come close to making tight turns. A slider will not offer enough travel to safely make tight turns and you will end up running the trailer into the truck cab. Also the tailgate will get in the way if a slider is used.
A Sidewinder adds an additional 22 inches of clearance and is much more likely to allow you to make tight turns. I have included a link to the Sidewinder FAQ article for you. There is a formula you will need to determine if you can safely make 90 degree turns with a Sidewinder installed.
For a 5th wheel trailer hitch installation kit. You can use kit # RP30035-386. Based on the instructions which I have linked for you it should not interfere with the air ride system on your truck. For a hitch, if 16,000 pounds is enough for the trailer then I recommend the Reese hitch # RP30047. It has a 4-Way pivoting head and dual jaws for a secure connection. For a 20K version use # RP30928.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese Semi-Custom Base Rail and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Dodge Ram 1500
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Semi-Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 14 - 18 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Semi-Custom Base Rail and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Dodge Ram 1500
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Semi-Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Trailer Tire Sizing
- Q&A: Are Additional Components Needed to Install Curt Trailer Wiring 2023 Kia Telluride S
- Q&A: Does Curt E16 5th Wheel Hitch Fit Same Base Rails as Reese 5th Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Tire Size Replacement Recommendation for a 215/75R15 on Trailer
- Q&A: How to Determine Correct Height Setting for 5th Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Recommended Microwave to Replace a Magic Chef Microwave
- Q&A: How Long Does It Take to Install B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch BWGNRK1020
- Q&A: Can 2014 Ram 3500 4 Wheel Drive be Flat Towed Behind RV
- Article: 5th Wheel Hitch Installation | The Ultimate DIY Guide
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Article: Fifth Wheel Hitch Combinations for Ram Trucks with RamBox (2009-Current)
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Article: Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips