5th Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2009 Dodge Ram 1500 5-1/2-foot Bed with Rambox Feature

Question:

I need a 5th wheel hitch that fits my 2009 ram with ram box

asked by: Richard

Helpful Expert Reply:

No 5th wheel hitch manufacturers recommend their hitches for use in a Ram Box-equipped truck. The issue is the decreased bed width on models that have the Ram Box feature. Customers have told us that they have installed a 5th wheel hitch on models with Ram Boxes but it is not a practice recommended by hitch manufacturers nor etrailer.

The hitches that will fit your truck are shown on the linked page. The Reese # RP30047 and install kit # RP30035-386 are a solid set-up with a 16K rating. You will also need to use the Wedge # SWW-03 for this hitch to fit better with the Sidewinder.

Very short bed trucks like yours also need a specialized replacement pin box called a Sidewinder to replace the standard pin box on the trailer. A Sidewinder moves the truck/trailer pivot point further back by 22-inches. This new pivot point allows for better trailer-to-cab clearance when making tight turns. However this practice has not been approved by any hitch manufacturers and is an at-your-own-risk strategy.

You can use the linked article to check your current pin box brand and part number to see if it is among those for which a Sidewinder is offered.

expert reply by: Adam R