Can a 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch be Installed on a Short Bed 2015 Ram 3500 with Ram Boxes  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Fifth wheel trailer hitch and install manufacturers do not test fit 2015 Ram trucks with the Ram Box feature like the one in your picture. The issue is not about the type of hitch or trailer, it is the decreased bed width on models that have the Ram Box feature. Customers have told us that they can install a 5th wheel hitch on models with Ram Boxes but it is not recommended by hitch manufacturers.

What you would have to do is install a 5th wheel trailer hitch installation kit such as # C16430-204. Then, to tow a 5th wheel trailer without having issues with the Ram Boxes and more narrow bed, you would have to install a Sidewinder pin box on the trailer.

A Sidewinder will move the pivot point of the trailer back 22 inches. This is supposed to provide enough clearance so that when the trailer turns it will not interfere with the bed sides. However this has not been confirmed by any hitch manufacturers and is a proceed at your own risk type of situation.

The other hurdle is that you have to determine if there is a Sidewinder that will fit the trailer. For that I would need to know the pin box manufacturer and model number. This information should be on a sticker or plate on the pin box. Then we can use the chart in the Sidewinder help page I have linked to determine if there is a Sidewinder that will fit.

Then you will need a fixed 5th wheel hitch with enough capacity for the trailer. You could go with # RP30047 for an entry level 16K hitch.

expert reply by: Michael H

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