Under-bed Fifth Wheel Hitch Install Kit and Sidewinder Recommendations for a 2007 Ram 3500 Short Bed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

You are correct that the Reese Under-Bed Rail installation kit # RP30074 is confirmed as a fit for your truck. I have included an installation video of this Under-Bed Rail system installed on truck very similar to your.

Since you do have a short bed truck, you will need either a sliding hitch or a Sidewinder for sharp cornering and maneuvering. I have included some informational articles about both sliding 5th wheel hitches and sidewinders for your reference.

It would work great to use the 16K Reese Sidewinder, that is mounted to your trailer with the 20K # RP30921 Reese M5 Series Hitch in your truck. You will want to make sure that the total loaded weight of your trailer is less than the lowest rated component of your towing system. This is the configuration of under-bed rail system and fixed hitch that is used in the installation video attached for the # RP30074 rails.

My recommendation for your application would to use a Sidewinder pinbox, with a fixed 5th wheel hitch. It provides additional clearance, ease of use, noise reduction, and improved ride quality.

The improved clearance is obtained by moving the pivot point back 22 inches toward the rear of your truck. Please note there is a clearance formula that is used to determine if there is enough room between your truck cab and the trailer to execute a 90 degree turn. This formula is included in the informational article about Sidewinders that I have attached. I recommend reviewing and completing this formula before purchasing the trailer you are considering.

To determine the correct Sidewinder, you need either the make and model of the existing pin box on the trailer, or some measurements from the pin box. I have included another helpful article that includes the measurements that you will need. There is also a chart that shows the correct replacement pin box you will need.

Again you are correct, that the cost of the Airborne Rotating Sidewinders is significantly more than the cost of a traditional Sidewinder. This is due to the additional airbag, and shock absorber that the Airborne are equipped with. These two features are the key components that improve the ride quality while towing your 5th Wheel. They minimize both vertical and horizontal movement of the kingpin.

Customers are very impressed with the significant improvement in ride quality that they notice when using an Airborne. The downside of the traditional sidewinder is the comparatively rough ride, and the noise associated with the hitch movements.

If you choose not to use a Sidewinder, then you will need to use a sliding hitch. The only Reese Sliding Hitch that is confirmed as a fit for your truck, that uses the below bed mounting system is the Reese Sliding 5th wheel Hitch # RP30144. One of the advantages to having a sliding hitch, is if multiple 5th wheel trailers are towed that are not equipped with sidewinder pin boxes.

Please note that is not recommended to use both a slider hitch and a Sidewinder activated at the same time. You can tow a trailer that has a sidewinder pin box with a truck equipped with a sliding hitch, but either the sidewinder must be locked out, and the wedge must be removed, or the sliding hitch must be used and locked in the forward most position.

All the sliders that we currently carry are manual style of sliders, and they are much heavier than a Sidewinder pin box.

If I was in your situation, I would invest in the Airborne Sidewinder pin box. This is due to the benefits of a Sidewinder pin box such as: improved ride quality, ease of maneuverability, noise reduction, and ease of use once installed. In fact, many trailer manufacturers are now offering a similar version of an Airborne Sidewinder as an OEM option.

I have included a link to one of our 16k Airborne Premium Sidewinder Pin boxes, and video demonstration, and installation for your reference.

expert reply by: Rachael H

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