Will Sidewinder Allow 2016 Ram 1500 With Rambox to Make 90 Degree Turn?

Published 04/18/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret - 20,000 lbs

(43)

$1350.54

Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System with Adapter - 20,000 lbs

(99)

$840.05

Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(396)

$509.66

Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(24)

$398.47

Question:

the trailer Im considering: 2018 Highland Ridge RV Open Range Light LF318RLS About 8,000 pounds, dry weight. However, the parts and service people at my RV dealer prefer an Anderson type hitch. I really look forward to your response. Regards,

asked by: Lou M

Expert Reply:

In order to determine if a Sidewinder such as # RP34FR will allow you to perform a 90 degree turn with your 2016 Ram 1500, you first need to measure the distance from the center of your fifth wheel hitch jaw to your truck's Rambox.You will also need to know the width of the trailer you will be pulling. You can then use this formula to find out if you can do a 90 degree turn:

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of 5th-wheel hitch jaw to Rambox in inches
B = Length of Sidewinder arm in inches
C = Width of trailer in inches divided by 2

I've added a link to a help article on Sidewinders for you to take a look at which should be helpful.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Lou

4/18/2018

Kyle S.

4/18/2018

I am unsure as to why the people at the RV dealer would say that because with a short bed on your 2016 Ram and a Ram Box you have to use a Sidewinder to potentially get the clearance you need, and a Sidewinder is not compatible with and Andersen such as # AM3200. You will need a fixed fifth wheel hitch such as the Reese # RP30047, which you can mount in your '16 Ram 1500 with base rails # RP50142-58, to go with your Sidewinder. You will simply need to know the manufacturer and model number of the pin box on the trailer you are considering. For example, Sidewinder # RP34FR will replace Fabex 663 and 665, Lippert 0719, 1621 and 1621HD, as well as M&M 663 and 665 pin boxes. I have added a link to our entire selection of Sidewinders for you to take a look at as well.