Towing Fifth Wheel Trailer with 2017 Ram 3500 with Ram Box Feature

Question:

I have a 2017 RAM 3500 truck with a megacab and the rambox bed. This means it is a short bed, and a single rear wheel configuration. Due to the rambox, the factory would not install the OEM 5th wheel prep kit at the factory. I am hearing conflicting reports as to the capability in the frame to install this after the fact. Do you have any more info on it, or have you or your customers tried this yet? Thanks! Please advise.

asked by: Rob R

Expert Reply:

I may have a solution for you, however the issue with the Ram Box feature on your 3500 is that there is too little side-to-side space within the truck bed. This can cause interference with the pin box on your trailer when turning around corners.

We have talked with several customers with Ram Boxes who state that they have been able to tow a 5th-wheel trailer with a replacement Sidewinder Pin Box. Sidewinders will move the pivot point back by 22 inches and can reduce the possibility of interference. These are designed to replace the standard king pin your trailer, so you will just need to find the part number of your existing pin box. This should be located somewhere on the pin box itself or you can contact the trailer manufacturer with your VIN and they will provide you with this information. I have attached a helpful article on Sidewinders in which a chart is located that will help you determine which Sidewinder will work based on your existing pin box model number.

For a fifth-wheel hitch to use on your Ram with the Sidewinder, I recommend looking at the Reese Select Plus 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30928 along with the Quick-Install Custom Base Rails # RP56010-53. This hitch has a 20,000 pound towing capacity and a forged single jaw that will provide a secure connection with the Sidewinder.

expert reply by: Chris R