5th Wheel Hitch and Sidewinder Recommendations for 2014 Ram 3500 with Factory 5th Wheel Package

Question:

I have a 2014 Ram 3500 with the factory 5th wheel prep package and a 6.4 ft bed. I would like to know which sidewinder king pin and 5th wheel hitch similar to part number BWRVK3600 you would recommend. I am looking to pull a 5th wheel trailer that will be around 18K pounds when fully loaded. Also, I noticed that the 5th wheel hitches have varying double jaw pivot heights, is the higher the better when I am looking at these?

asked by: Jeff

Expert Reply:

Short bed trucks like your 2014 Ram 3500 with factory 5th wheel prep package pose a challenge to making tight turns with your 5th wheel. Sidewinders are a great solution since they move the trailer's actual pivot point back by 22-inches to provide better trailer-to-cab clearance.

You will need to find the existing pin box's part number in order to check for availability of a Sidewinder replacement pin box (or an Air-Ride Sidewinder). The linked article includes a listing of Sidewinder compatibility based on your existing pin box part number. For example, if your trailer has a Lippert 1116, 1716 or 0115 pin box you can bolt on the Reese # RP61412 Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin, which is rated to 16,000-lbs. The 19K option for that pin box was unfortunately discontinued.

Since you cannot use a sliding hitch with a Sidewinder, the BandW Companion # BWRVK3600 is an excellent choice; please see the linked video. This hitch is compatible with Sidewinders; not all hitches are, including the Curt # C16530-16021 that you referenced.

Most 5th wheel hitches offer adjustable height to keep your trailer level when hitched, and these tend to offer a comparable height range. The Companion offers 17- to 19-inch hitch height.

expert reply by: Adam R