Reese Under-Bed Installation Kit and Fifth Wheel Recommendation for 2012 Dodge Ram Power Wagon  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

There are two under bed installation kits available for your 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 Power Wagon.

The choices are either the Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel and Gooseneck Under Bed Kit # RP30852 or the Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel Under Bed Kit # RP30074. Both kits have a wide platform that ensures hitch stability, use the Power Puck system and are black powder coated steel that resists corrosion.

Advantages to the Elite Series Gooseneck # RP30852 is that this gives you the option of adding a Reese Elite Series Under-Bed Gooseneck Hitch Head # RP30158. This installation kit clamps around the frame which is easier to install than a standard kit that bolts to the frame.

If adding a gooseneck is not a priority, then the Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel # RP30074 under-bed installation kit will work as well. The benefit to this installation kit is that it is less expensive than the Elite series. This kit also bolts down to the frame.

For your hitch, the Reese Elite Hitch with Slider # RP30144 that you referenced is a very nice hitch, however, according to my calculations, unless your trailer is 6-1/2 ft wide or less you will not be able to make a 90 degree turn safely without having contact between your trailer and the cab of your truck. Sliding hitches are used on short bed trucks to create enough space between the cab of your truck and the trailer to permit less-restricted turning but they do not always allow for full 90 degree turns.

The calculation formula is: (Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab + (plus) Length of sidewinder arm) - (minus) Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)). This will give you your clearance. Please note that at least 4 inches of clearance is recommended to safely execute a 90 degree turn.

In order to complete a 90 degree turn without complication I recommend using a fixed hitch with a Sidewinder pin box. A Sidewinder replaces the OEM pin box on your trailer and adds 22 inches of clearance so you will be able to make 90 degree turns without an issue. Sidewinders match up to specific pin boxes and in order to correctly recommend a sidewinder I will need to know the manufacturer and part number of the pin box on your trailer.

For a fixed hitch I recommend the Reese M5 20K # RP30921. This hitch will fit either aforementioned under-bed puck style installation kits. I have attached a brief video review of this hitch. If you use a sidewinder pin box you'll also need wedge kit # RP44FR

I have also attached a brief installation video of the hitch with the # RP30074 installation kit on a 2009 Dodge Ram as well as the installation instructions for each of the products. You will also see a link for helpful information that has a FAQ article covering sidewinders and inside the FAQ is the clearance formula.

expert reply by: Lori W

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