Solution for Fifth Wheel Trailer Towing with 2016 Ram 2500 with Ramboxes

Question:

Thanks but mine is 2016 1500 Ram Outdoorsman.

asked by: Gene S

Helpful Expert Reply:

Sounds like you are talking about the Rambox toolboxes that are built into the bed rails of the newer Ram trucks. These make the truck bed a bit narrower so fifth wheel towing gets interesting. We do have a solution though that will work great.

The only way to tow a fifth wheel trailer with a vehicle that has a Rambox is to use a Sidewinder pin box on the trailer. You should note that Sidewinder has not tested this, but we know from our customers who have tried this setup that the Sidewinder will give the Rambox trucks the ability to tow a trailer.

Sidewinders are pin box specific, so you will first need to know what pin box you have now in order to pick out the correct one. There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer. I have attached an article that includes a table of popular OEM models and the compatible Sidewinder replacements. Once you figure out which pin box you have, you can check the chart to determine the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.

So then for a fifth wheel hitch you'd want a stationary hitch like the Reese 20k # RP30081 and then a custom install rail kit for the truck part # RP50054-58 which will minimize drilling and install time on your truck as compared to a universal kit.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Lance M.

3/20/2020

Thank you for your prompt response.

Chris R.

3/20/2020

No problem! Don't be afraid to reach back out if anything else comes up.

Lance M.

3/19/2020

I have a 2018 Ram 3500 SRW with the ramboxes rear air suspension. We currently have a bumper-pull but want to upgrade to a fifth wheel. Using the Sidewinder pin box, would that move the pivot point rearward to the point that additional sway could be induced in high-wind conditions or when passing large vehicles? Is the center-of gravity moved rearward potentially unloading the front axle?

Chris R.

3/19/2020

That's a good question and one that's come up before. It does kind of make sense that pushing back the pivot point might lead to additional sway/instability, but it's not something that we've actually experienced or heard. The actual pin weight is still falling onto the truck's rear axle, and the actual length of your setup doesn't change, so your overall stability and movement shouldn't be affected at all.