Solution for Towing 5th Wheel Trailer with 2017 Ram 2500 with 6-1/2 Foot Bed and Ram Boxes
Question:
Wanting to get a 5th wheel RV, 13000 lbs, 2300 lbs hitch weight. Im having trouble trying to find a hitch to fit my tow vehicle. Is there any one that, in your experience, you can recommend. Im tired of reading blogs from people that have all kinds of solutions. Want facts not solutions of all different types of parts to make it work. Please help.
asked by: Ernie
Helpful Expert Reply:
In order to tow a fifth wheel trailer with your 2017 Ram 2500 that features the Ram Boxes, you will need to go with a fixed (non-sliding) fifth wheel hitch and a Sidewinder pin box from Reese.
Because of the narrow bed that the Ram Boxes create, a standard trailer pin box will make contact with the bed sides when turning. This is why the Reese Sidewinder, which moves the pivot point 22 inches behind the king pin connection, is needed for your application. This is the only combination that will allow a Ram with the Ram Boxes to safely tow a fifth wheel trailer.
Starting with the fifth wheel hitch, I highly recommend the Reese Select Plus # RP30928, along with the Quick-Install Custom Outboard Installation Kit w/ Base Rails # RP56009-53. This is an excellent hitch that features a forged, single-piece jaw for a secure connection with the trailer, a 9 inch wide funnel for simple hookup, and a 4-Way pivoting head that allows for an easy connection with the trailer, even when on unlevel ground. The hitch has a gross towing weight capacity of 20,000 pounds. The Quick-Install Kit includes the necessary base rails to mount the hitch, along with custom-brackets that will use existing holes in your Ram's frame for reduced drilling and a shorter installation time.
I have attached a short video demonstration on this hitch that you can also check out.
Then, when selecting a compatible Sidewinder king pin, you will first need to know the manufacturer and model number of the trailer's existing pin box. This information can typically be found on the pin box itself with a sticker or plate. Since it sounds like you might not have the trailer in your posession yet, you should be able to get this information from the dealer.
For example, the Reese Sidewinder # RP34FR is designed to replace the Fabex 663 and 665, the Lippert 0719, 1621, and 1621HD, and the M&M 663 and 665 pin boxes.
I have attached a link that will take you to our available selection of Sidewinder pin boxes that you can look through. You can use the facets on the left side of the page to filter through the different options based on the pin box model number on your trailer. I have also attached a great article on Sidewinder pin boxes that you might find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 14 - 18 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel King Pin
- Upgraded Pin Box
- Provides Turning Clearance
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Rotating Turret
- Fabex 663
- Fabex 665
- Lippert 0719
- Lippert 1621
- Lippert 1621HD
- M and M 663
- M and M 665
- Lippert Rhino
- Reese
more information >
Reese Quick-Install Custom Outboard Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17-1/2 - 21-1/2 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Adding Brakes to a Mobile Home Axle
- Q&A: Replacement 5 Leaf Slipper Spring for a Tandem Axle Dump Trailer with Two 6K Axles
- Q&A: Can Hydraulic Brakes of Demco Tow Dolly be Converted to Electric Brakes
- Article: What To Look For When Buying Ratchet Straps
- Article: How to Install E-Track in 3 Easy Steps
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: What Type Of Hydraulic Fluid Should I USe With A Lippert Hydraulic Leveling System?
- Q&A: What Type of Fluid to Use in Lippert Hydraulic Leveling Systems
- Q&A: Finding A Replacement Electric Winch For 2007 Rockwood Popup Camper
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Article: Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips