5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Installation Kit for a 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 Crew Cab

Question:

I am purchasing a curt fifth wheel hitch from a private party. he has a chevy truck. I have a 2013 dodge 1/2 ton crew cab. I dont believe the chevy brackets will fit my dodge. which brackets would be recommended?

asked by: Tom C

Expert Reply:

For a 2013 Dodge Ram 1500 with either the 5-1/2 foot or 6 foot bed you can use 5th wheel installation kit # RP30035-386. Even though this is a Reese kit the Curt hitch will fit. If you have the 5-1/2 foot bed then you would use a fixed 5th wheel hitch or you would always leave a slider in the tow position, never slide it back. And you would have to use a Sidewinder in order to have enough clearance to make tight turns.

If the Curt hitch is an E5 like the one you referenced, it will work with a Sidewinder. but if it is a Q5 or any other cushioned 5th wheel hitch, a Sidewinder is not compatible.

Sidewinders are used on trucks with beds shorter than 6 feet because a slider hitch does not offer enough travel to safely make tight turns (at most 12 inches of travel with a slider). A Sidewinder has 22 inches of extension. The only catch, besides not working with certain hitches, is that there are only certain trailer pin boxes that can accept a Sidewinder. I have included a link to our Sidewinder main page for you for more information.

expert reply by: Michael H