5th Wheel Hitch Recommendation for Sidewinder-Equipped Keystone Raptor 5th Wheel

Updated 07/26/2017 | Published 07/24/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Center Hanger for Double-Eye Springs - 5-7/16" Tall - 3/4" Bolt Hole

(22)

$33.76

Replacement Head Unit for Curt A16 and Q16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 16,000 lbs

(27)

$599.95

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(817)

$80.32

Dexter Trailer Springs Over-Under Conversion Kit

(817)

$95.95

Question:

My set-up started as a 2008 RAM 6foot bed. I made the fatal mistake of buying a hitch from etrailer before I even knew what fifth wheel I was going to purchase. I ended up purchasing a 2006 Keystone Raptor 3612. This particular trailer came with a Reese Sidewinder which happens to not be compatible with the Curt Q20 I purchased. I was able to lock-out the Sidewinder for the drive home however I was very nose high when hitched. The Q20 is set as low as it can go and the Sidewinder is set as high as it can go. So now that I have used the hitch I cannot return it but have to replace it. I believe my best alternative is to keep the Sidewinder and go with a fixed fifth wheel hitch that sits lower in the bed then the Curt Q20 C16536 does. If you agree can you please make recommendation on which hitch I should go with? I though about eliminating the Sidewinder and go back to a stock pin box but I think I still have the wrong sliding hitch as it sits too high.

asked by: Terry

Expert Reply:

The two easiest ways to lift your 5th wheel trailer height so it is level when hitched are to install taller spring hangers on the trailer and to also install axle over-under kits. Both of these will lift the height of the trailer.

Our page for trailer leaf spring hangers for triple-axle trailers is linked for you. These include hangers as tall as 5+ inches, such as # 115919.

We have axle over-under kits # K71-384-00 and # K71-385-00 which fit 2-3/8-inch and 3-inch diameter axles. These reverse the positions of the leaf spring and axle. Installing these gives you a height gain equal to the height of the leaf spring stack plus the axle's diameter.

You could replace the head portion of your hitch with the Curt A16 # C16520 which would not solve the height issue but it will be compatible with your Sidewinder.

If your truck happens to be lifted and/or have extra large wheels/tires then the height issue is tougher to address since these vehicle features are not friendly to 5th wheel towing.