Can I Use the Mopar M20 5th Wheel Hitch with a Reese Sidewinder?

Updated 02/03/2020 | Published 12/02/2019

Question:

Does the Reese hitch come so I do not have to use a rail system and an adapter. I liked the way the Curt Q20 attached to the factory prep. Thanks so much for your input.

asked by: Gary W

Helpful Expert Reply:

Unfortunately the Mopar M20 hitch you have is the same hitch as the Curt Q20, which has a spherical axial bearing to improve the pivoting of the hitch head; because of this 360-degree pivot, it is not compatible with a pivoting pin box like the Reese Sidewinder # RP34FR. It is not possible to lock out the head with any type of wedge, so there would be two pivot points in the towing setup, which would not work.

Because of the shorter bed in your 2019 Ram 3500, you do need either a sliding hitch or rotating pin box like the Sidewinder. For this reason I recommend switching to Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs # RP30918 which is compatible with Sidewinder pinboxes like the # RP34FR. You would likely be able to sell your Mopar hitch to cover the cost of this and using a Sidewinder pin box is going to provide you with more clearance from the truck cab than if you were to use a slider hitch instead- but you will need to have one of those two components to safely tow a 5th wheel trailer with your 2019 Ram 3500 short box.

expert reply by: Erik B

Gary

12/2/2019

Does the Reese hitch come so I do not have to use a rail system and an adapter. I liked the way the Curt Q20 attached to the factory prep. Thanks so much for your input.

Erik B.

12/2/2019

Yes, the Reese # RP30918 drops onto the factory puck system.

Gary W.

1/31/2020

I purchised the sidewinder 5th wheel king pin with rotating turret-19,000 Ibs.-RP61421 & I really like it , but it did not come with the lockout bolts. two each-3/4-10x9 bolts with flat & lock washers & 3/4 x 10 hex nuts. Can I buy them through e-trailer ?Gary W

Jason S.

2/3/2020

The Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret - 19,000 lbs # RP61421 does not come with the lockout bolts, washers, lock washers, or hex nuts. Those only come with OEM installed units. Convertible Bolts, 3/4” – 10 X 9” 3/4“ Flat Washer 3/4” Lock Washer 3/4” – 10 Hex Nut We don't carry the kit, so you can get the above parts from your local hardware store just make sure they are Grade 8. If you want to get the manufacturer kit you will want their part number 38019 for your 19K Sidewinder.