Compatibility of a Combo Auxiliary Tank and Tool Box for a 2017 Ram 3500 with B&W 5th Wheel

Question:

Is there an auxiliary fuel tank/toolbox combo that will fit into Ram 3500 short box with the B&W Companion 3600 fifth wheel hitch installed into the OEM puck holes?

asked by: Rick H

Expert Reply:

Before you can decide on a tank/tool box combo for the bed of your 2017 Ram 3500 truck, you will need to measure the distance between the 5th wheel hitch and the front part of the bed. The measurement should be from the front edge of the front pucks to the front edge of the bed. This distance will give you an idea of how much room you will have to install an auxiliary tank and tool box combo.

DeeZee has 2 tank and tool box combination that might work for your application. The DeeZee Combo Auxiliary Tank - Brite Tread # DZ92740X is a 43 gallon auxiliary tank with tool chest. The tank and chest measures 54 inches long x 18 inches wide x 17-3/4 inches tall. The other tank and tool chest combo DeeZee has is # DZ91741X. This tank and tool chest combo has a 80 gallon capacity. The tank and chest measure 48 inches long x 30 inches wide x 24 inches tall. Both tanks meet Federal DOT requirements and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requirements for diesel auxiliary tanks.

The B&W Companion Hitch # BWRVK3600, that you referenced, is designed to fit the 8 ft bed of the Ram pickup. Since, you state you have the short box or the 6-1/2 foot bed, then this hitch will likely not offer enough turning clearance for your application.

I recommend that you look at the Curt Q24 5th Wheel Hitch # C16546 and Adapter Rails for Ram Tow Package # C16022. The Curt hitch is almost in the same weight capacity of the B&W hitch you referenced, but the Q24 is a slider hitch that will provide more turning clearance with the short bed design of your vehicle.

Another issue that you may have installing a fuel/tool box, is that the height of the box could interfere with the trailer when making turns.The recommendation is to have a minimum of 6 inches of clearance between the bed height and the bottom of the 5th wheel trailer. The height of the tool box may be too tall and could be an obstruction when trying to make turns with your tow rig.