Can a 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch be Installed in a 2015 RAM 3500 Short Bed with Rambox

Question:

Can you recommend a RAM short bed sliding fifth wheel hitch that will fit a RAM 3500 with Rambox bed....either above or below the bed... OR, can you tell me why a fifth wheel hitch will not work in RAM equipped with Rambox. I simply cannot find the answer to this question from a reliable source.

asked by: Bruce C

Expert Reply:

I can set the record straight for you. No manufactures fit the Ram trucks that have the Rambox feature. The issue is the bed is more narrow and the trailer pin box will hit the sides of the bed when you turn.

Some customers have used a Sidewinder pin box in place of the regular pin box on the trailer. This moves the pivot point of the trailer back 22 inches. We have been told by customers this works. However, none of the manufacturers have tested this to confirm.

Customers would start with an installation kit such as Curt custom kit # C16430-204. Then they would mount a fixed trailer hitch, not a slider. I like the Reese 16K hitch # RP30047. It is the old Reese workhorse. It's been around a long time because it is a good, solid design. It has a double pivot head and double jaw.

The Sidewinder depends on the trailer pin box. Customers would have to find the manufacturer and model of the pin box (on a sticker or plate on the pin box) and then determine if there is a Sidewinder that will fit using the chart in the help article I have linked to the right.

But, like I said, manufacturers have not tested this so neither they nor I can confirm this works.

expert reply by: Michael H