Can a 5th Wheel Trailer be Towed by a 2012 Ram 3500 with Ram Box

Question:

I also have 2012 with the tool box cant make sharp corners or I hit the boxes My rv is 33ft 14000 lbs do u think this would work for me. thank you 2012 Dodge Ram 3500 Mega Cab with Ram Box

asked by: Jim T

Expert Reply:

The problem that you are having is a common one that has frustrated Ram owner's since the Ram Box feature became available. For a very long time, no manufacturers even provided 5th wheel fit information for models that have the Ram Box feature (and still don't for the most part).

But there is a solution. In order to be able to make tighter turns and not hit the Ram Boxes the trailer will have to be fitted with a Sidewinder pin box. The Sidewinder will move the pivot point of the trailer back 22 inches. This means that the pin box itself will not turn, just the trailer, eliminating the interference. Sidewinders only fit certain factory pin boxes (see link to Sidewinder help article).

There are some caveats though. Specifically the following:

A. Requires Sidewinder (Revolution) pin box on trailer.
1. This is to prevent pin box from contacting the RamBox sides.
2. Increases truck cab to trailer clearance in a turn.
B. Requires fifth wheel hitch.
1. Reese Fifth Wheel; part number # RP30928 can work if;
a. Adjusted to highest position.
b. Hooked-up and un-hooked on level ground.
C. Outboard bed rails.
1. Ease of installation.
2. Part # RP56011-53
D. Inboard bed rails.
1. Part # RP50140-58
E. Elite underbed mounting kits.
1. Part # RP30852 for any of the above hitches that fit in below the bed rails
F. Manual slider units are not recommended.
1. Due to bed width limitations
G. Not all tow vehicle and trailer combinations will allow 90-degree turns.
H. Please follow all directions listed in the Pin box, hitch, & mounting rail kit installation & usage documents.