Recommendation for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Install Kit for Use with Sidewinder on 2010 Dodge Ram  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Sidewinders, like # RP61412, are designed to be used with stationary hitches but can be used with a slider hitch as long as the slider remains locked in the towing position while towing or connected to a trailer. I have included a link to our FAQ article on Sidewinders for reference. To determine the best 5th wheel trailer hitch and installation kit for your truck, I will need to know a little more about it. Is your Big Horn a 1500, 2500, or 3500. Does it have overload springs. Is it a stepside. Is it 2 or 4 wheel drive. And what type of cab do you have.

Regarding the trailer, how much does it weigh (GVWR) and how wide is it at the front. And finally, what is the make and model of the pin box on the trailer. With all of this information I can make the best recommendation.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Zeke

1/12/2011

What hitch will I need to use with a 22in sidewinder to put a fifth wheel in my truck. It has a 5ft 6in box I have 30 in to the center of the wheel will I need a slider or just a fifth wheel Thank You,2010 Dodge Big Horn 1500 MegaCab, no step side; 4x2; 10,450 lb GTW and 1,710 max payload. Will tow 96 inch trailer.

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Michael H.

1/12/2011

Thank you for the information. First, for an installation kit you can use # RP30035-386 or # C16422-104. I have included installation details for the Reese kit. The king pin will be centered 1-1/2 inches forward of the center of the rear axle. You will need to measure from that point to the cab of the truck (measurement A). Next take the width of the trailer (96 inches) and divide by 2 to get 48 (measurement B). Add 22 inches, the length of the Sidewinder, to measurement A. Then subtract 48 from that to get the amount of clearance you will have. Clearance will need to be at least 4 inches or greater in order to safely make 90 degree turns. in order to determine which Sidewinder to use, can use the pin box/sidewinder matrix at the bottom of the linked Sidewinder FAQ. For a trailer hitch you will need a standard hitch to be compatible with a Sidewinder. With the weight of the trailer at 10,450 to 12,160 pounds, you could use 16k Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, # RP30047, with the first installation kit, or 16k Curt E5 Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch, # C16115, with the second installation kit.

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