Solution for Towing 5th Wheel Trailer with 2017 Ram 2500 with 6-1/2 Foot Bed and Ram Boxes

Question:

Wanting to get a 5th wheel RV, 13000 lbs, 2300 lbs hitch weight. Im having trouble trying to find a hitch to fit my tow vehicle. Is there any one that, in your experience, you can recommend. Im tired of reading blogs from people that have all kinds of solutions. Want facts not solutions of all different types of parts to make it work. Please help.

asked by: Ernie

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to tow a fifth wheel trailer with your 2017 Ram 2500 that features the Ram Boxes, you will need to go with a fixed (non-sliding) fifth wheel hitch and a Sidewinder pin box from Reese.

Because of the narrow bed that the Ram Boxes create, a standard trailer pin box will make contact with the bed sides when turning. This is why the Reese Sidewinder, which moves the pivot point 22 inches behind the king pin connection, is needed for your application. This is the only combination that will allow a Ram with the Ram Boxes to safely tow a fifth wheel trailer.

Starting with the fifth wheel hitch, I highly recommend the Reese Select Plus # RP30928, along with the Quick-Install Custom Outboard Installation Kit w/ Base Rails # RP56009-53. This is an excellent hitch that features a forged, single-piece jaw for a secure connection with the trailer, a 9 inch wide funnel for simple hookup, and a 4-Way pivoting head that allows for an easy connection with the trailer, even when on unlevel ground. The hitch has a gross towing weight capacity of 20,000 pounds. The Quick-Install Kit includes the necessary base rails to mount the hitch, along with custom-brackets that will use existing holes in your Ram's frame for reduced drilling and a shorter installation time.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this hitch that you can also check out.

Then, when selecting a compatible Sidewinder king pin, you will first need to know the manufacturer and model number of the trailer's existing pin box. This information can typically be found on the pin box itself with a sticker or plate. Since it sounds like you might not have the trailer in your posession yet, you should be able to get this information from the dealer.

For example, the Reese Sidewinder # RP34FR is designed to replace the Fabex 663 and 665, the Lippert 0719, 1621, and 1621HD, and the M&M 663 and 665 pin boxes.

I have attached a link that will take you to our available selection of Sidewinder pin boxes that you can look through. You can use the facets on the left side of the page to filter through the different options based on the pin box model number on your trailer. I have also attached a great article on Sidewinder pin boxes that you might find helpful.