Recommended Sidewinder and Reese 5th Wheel Hitch for Use with a 2018 Ram 2500 Short Bed with Ram Box

Question 1

Question:

I have a 2018 Ram 2500 Diesel short bed, with the Ram Boxes, which greatly reduces the width inside the truck bed. I would like to get a 20K Reese hitch and a sidewinder pin box with turret head. My trailer is a 2014 Columbus 320 RL. The pin box is a Lippert Trail Aire Roto Flex. Could someone help me with the correct part numbers and where I can order? Thank you,

asked by: Chester Z

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Expert Reply:

You definitely have the right setup in mind. Since the Ram Box on your 2018 Ram 2500 with a short bed limits the inside width of your truck bed a Sidewinder is the only viable solution.

I called my contact at Lippert who said that your Trailair Rota-Flex has the pin box number 1621 according to the serial number, making it part # LC328330 on our site. For a Sidewinder that is a compatible replacement you can use part # RP34FR. We also have the 5th Airborne Premium # RP61422 which adds an air bag to the Sidewinder action for a smooth ride.

Both of these options are rated for 16K as opposed to the Rota-Flex 18K but since the GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) of your trailer is just over 14K either one will work just fine.

As for a 5th wheel hitch I recommend going with the Reese M5 20K # RP30928. It has a 4-Way pivoting head and a single jaw system to help limit the effects of chucking and jarring. If you have the factory puck system on your Ram you can use the Adapter # RP30154 which will give you standard base rails. If you do not have the puck system then you can install the Reese Quick-Install Custom Base Rails and Installation Kit # RP50054-58 which will also give you standard base rails.

Although there is a universal wedge included with every Sidewinder, if there is a wedge that has been custom-made for a 5th wheel hitch it will be much more effective. I recommend getting the Wedge Kit # RP44FR as well.

I have also attached some installation videos for you to check out.

click to enlarge

expert reply by: Jon G

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Question 2

Question:

Thank you for your help in finding the correct Reese hitch and Airborne sidewinder for my trailer. My question is when I off my trailer at the RV dealer for service and disconnect the trailer, I must install the lock out bolts. Do I also have to remove the wedge, so the service people can tow the trailer to the service bin?

asked by: Chester Z

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Expert Reply:

If the trailer service company uses a Reese Titan then you wouldn't need to do anything. They would simply gain some additional turning clearance.

However, if they have a different 5th wheel hitch and you need to engage the lockout, you will need to also remove the wedge. The wedge I recommended is customized to fit the M5 hitch heads and it keeps the pin box from rotating in the hitch head. It would damage both sides of the towing setup if it is not removed, not to mention it may not fit with other 5th wheel hitches.

click to enlarge

expert reply by: Jon G

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