Does 2019 Ram 3500 Short Bed Need Slider Hitch to Tow Trailer with Turn Tech Engineering Nose

Question

Question:

I have a 2019 Dodge RAM 3500 6.7 diesel with a 6-1/2foot bed. We are purchasing a 2016 Coachman Chaparral. It is a 336TSIK, and has the turn-tech engineering and a Lippert 1621 pin box. According to what Ive been reading, some people say that you wont need a slider hitch, and others say that you do, with this trailer and a short bed truck. Would you guys recommend a slider for those tight turns that you might get yourself into, or changing the pin box and go with a fixed hitch? Looking for the best maneuverability. Ive asked similar questions, but have more information on the pin box. Thank you very much

asked by: Jim

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Turn Tech of your 2016 Coachman Chaparral 336TSIK was designed to give short bed trucks like yours the needed clearance to make tight turns without requiring a slider hitch. Since not all short bed trucks have the same length bed you'll get mixed results on this. Your bed is 6-1/2 feet long which is on the longer side which means you'd have the best chance possible to get away with just a fixed hitch like the Companion for Ram rail kits part # BWRVK3600 that fits the factory rail kit of your 2019 Ram 3500.

What I would recommend you do is start with just the Companion hitch and see if you have the clearance. I think you will but you may as well test and see. If not you could swap out your Lippert 1621 pin box for a Sidewinder part # RP34FR and you'd for sure have the clearance. Sidewinders also help the tow vehicle track better behind the truck and make backing the trailer up easier so they are a really great thing to have on a fifth wheel trailer regardless if absolutely needed. You would also need the Companion wedge part # RP74FR if you go this route as this holds the hitch the Sidewinder the best.

expert reply by: Jameson C

1

Answer 1

The formula to determine 5th wheel turning clearance is pretty straightforward and is expressed as: (A + B) - C = Clearance A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab B = Length of Sidewinder arm (22-inches) as with part #RP34FR C…

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Answer 2

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 3

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 4

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 5

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 6

Hi Glen, It will depend on what the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is of your trailer to determine which B&W 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter will work best for you. Fifth wheels and gooseneck trailers go off of pin weight instead of tongue…

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Answer 7

Hey Jerry, GM moved the placement of their puck systems starting with 2020 models so you are correct that the pucks would have the hitch not sit directly over the axle. GM did the math and made sure that this placement wouldn't adversely affect…

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Answer 8

We have lift kits for trailer that easily add 2 inches to the height of the trailer. For that you'd want the part #RR23QX and you'd be set. I attached a picture that shows how it installs to give you an idea. This would be the easiest…

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Answer 9

Hey Tom, congrats on the new truck! Typically when we hear that someone has the OEM tow prep package they mean the puck system. This is going to be five circular holes built into the bed of your Ram truck and is by far the best way to attach a 5th…

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Answer 10

Hey Doug! The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs #F35FV are the right kit for your 2026 Ford F-350 FX4 dually. However, you will need to measure to be sure it fits. The distance from the top of your rear axle to the top of the jounce bump stop…

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Answer 11

With a 2022 F350 short bed, hitting the top of the bed rails should not be an issue with most campers. Turning clearance however, will certainly be a factor. That is one advantage of the Andersen Ultimate hitch #AM3200, as it provides a 9"…

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Answer 12

I spoke with my contact at Trailair and from your serial number we were able to determine that your trailer came with a 1621 HD pin box which is a long pin box style. I was unable to obtain the exact part number for your Trailair pin box but from the…

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