Fifth Wheel Towing with 2016 Ram 3500 Equipped with Ram Boxes
Question:
Will a 5th wheel hitch fit with a Ram box on the truck. I am looking at getting a 2016 Ram 3500 with the Ram box and want to make sure I can fit a 5th wheel hitch in the bed? Thank you for your time.
asked by: Chris H
Expert Reply:
The problem isn't with the hitch fitting, the problems are that the 5th wheel's pin box strikes the sides of the bed during turns. The only way a fifth wheel hitch can be used in a Ram Box equipped truck would be to use a Reese Sidewinder. The sidewinder moves the pivot between the trailer and the hitch from where the king pin and hitch jaws meet to where the pin box attaches to the 5th wheel. This moves the pivot point 22 inches rearward, preventing the pin box from hitting the sides of the truck. The second problem is that just about every 5th wheel hitch out there has a latching handle that pulls outward. Because the bed of a Ram Box equipped truck is narrower than non-Ram Box equipped models, the handle can't be pulled out far enough so the jaws can be fully opened.
We've found that the B&W Patriot, part # BWRVK3255 works well because the handle pivots forward instead of out. So, using the # BWRVK3255 Patriot, the # BWRVK2605 install kit and the proper Sidewinder replacement pin box will allow you to successfully tow a 5th wheel with your Ram Box equipped truck. The Sidewinder model needed will depend on the manufacturer and model number of your OEM pin box. There should be a sticker or a plate on it that will provide this information.
I'll link you to our selection of Sidewinder models. Simply look for the filters on the side of the page, find your Pin Box model number, click on the correct model number and you'll see the Sidewinder and Air-Ride Sidewinder options available.
To install a 7-way in your truck bed, you can use # C56000.
Products Referenced in This Question
B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- B and W
more information >
Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 10' Long
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 10 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 16 - 19 Inch Tall
- B and W
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Shop: Curt EZr Double Lock Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch with Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs
- Shop: Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Ram - Carbide Finish
- Shop: Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector and Cover Plate - 7' Long
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 5-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Search Results: rvk2605
- Shop: Side Window Vents
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: rvk2600
- Video: Air Lift WirelessAIR Compressor System for Air Helper Springs Installation - 2018 Ram 2500
- Video: Review of B and W 5th Wheel Rail Kit - Custom Install Kit - BWRVK2605
- Q&A: Where to Place Rear Rail of B and W Above Bed 5th Wheel Rail Kit 2021 Ram 2500
- Video: Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Slider Review
- Shop: Front Mount Hitch
- Video: Review of Demco RV Fifth Wheel Hitch - Replacement Adapter Plates - DM99GV
- Video: Demco Fifth Wheel Installation Kit - Custom - DM8551005 Review
- Video: Demco Fifth Wheel DM6004 Review
- Q&A: 5th Wheel Hitch Install Kit for a 2012 Dodge Ram 2500 Mega Cab
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: B and W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Installation - 2018 Ram 3500
- Q&A: B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails # BWRVK2605 Compatibility With A 2022 Ram 3500 Dually
- Q&A: Recommended Bed Rail Kit For A TrailerSaver TS3 Air-Ride Hitch In A 2013 Ram 2500
- Q&A: Demco Adapter for 2015 Ram 3500 with OEM Prep Package Will Not Lock Into Place
- Q&A: Can The Curt Above-Bed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch # 16055 Be Used In Reverse
- Q&A: B and W Fifth Wheel Rail Kit for 2013 Ram 2500 that Doesn't Require Frame Drilling