5th Wheel Trailer hitch and Installation Kit for a 2013 Dodge Ram with 5-1/2 Foot Bed

Updated 07/23/2013 | Published 07/21/2013

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Semi-Custom Base Rail and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Dodge Ram 1500

(9)

$325.56

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

(397)

$518.72

Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(465)

$1033.24

Question:

I have a 2013 Dodge Ram with air ride system with 5.7 box need 5th wheel hitch and slider

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

On beds shorter than 6 feet you will need a fixed hitch and a Sidewinder on the trailer to be able to even come close to making tight turns. A slider will not offer enough travel to safely make tight turns and you will end up running the trailer into the truck cab. Also the tailgate will get in the way if a slider is used.

A Sidewinder adds an additional 22 inches of clearance and is much more likely to allow you to make tight turns. I have included a link to the Sidewinder FAQ article for you. There is a formula you will need to determine if you can safely make 90 degree turns with a Sidewinder installed.

For a 5th wheel trailer hitch installation kit. You can use kit # RP30035-386. Based on the instructions which I have linked for you it should not interfere with the air ride system on your truck. For a hitch, if 16,000 pounds is enough for the trailer then I recommend the Reese hitch # RP30047. It has a 4-Way pivoting head and dual jaws for a secure connection. For a 20K version use # RP30928.

expert reply by: Michael H