Determining Which 5th Wheel Hitch To Use For a 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab with 6ft Bed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

You could either use a slider type fifth-wheel hitch, or if your pin box is compatible you could use a Sidewinder king pin with a fixed position fifth-wheel hitch on your 2011 Dodge Ram 3500.

For a slider fifth-wheel hitch, I would recommend Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Round Tube Slider, part # RP30083 and Reese Quick-Install Custom Base Rails and Installation Kit, part # RP50140-58. The round tube slider provides 12 inches of movement to provide extra clearance when making sharp turns in parking lots or camp grounds.

To determine if you can use a fixed fifth-wheel hitch with a sidewinder, you will need to check our Pin Box Matrix, (see Sidewinder FAQ) to determine if your pin box is compatible with a Sidewinder king pin. A Sidewinder gives additional clearance needed for your fifth-wheel trailer and moves the pivot point closer to the tailgate of the truck. The Sidewinder adds 22 inches of clearance.

With a sidewinder king pin, you always have the additional clearance and you do not have to get in and out of your truck. With a slider hitch, you will have to get in and out of your truck to move the slider back and forth. The slider must be all the way forward when driving on roads and highways.

You should never use a sidewinder coupler and fifth-wheel slider hitch together, you would need to use one or the other. If you can email me the pin box manufacturer and model number, I can recommend a Sidewinder and fixed fifth-wheel hitch for your 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 w/ 6 ft bed.

I have linked a FAQ on Sidewinders that includes the pin box matrix to help you determine if your pin box is compatible with a sidewinder coupler.

expert reply by: Reno H

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