Best Base Rail Kit and 5th Wheel Hitch for a 2017 Ram 2500 with the RamBox

Question

Question:

Hi – I own a 2017 Dodge Ram 2500 with the Ramboxes. From my research, it looks like I am limited to 5th wheels with a SideWinder. I see on your website that I have options without the factory prep package. I also see online that somebody did get the factory prep with ram boxes. For these specific instances, your site shows a Reese hitch and another with the prep shows a BandW. • Do you have any input in terms of more/new options that I may have? • Have you heard any updates from any other customers saying that the factory prep package can be done on trucks with the Ramboxes? I do not own a 5th wheel - I have always rented travel trailers a couple times a year. Now that I have a 2500, I plan on renting 5th wheels. • Can whatever combination I end up getting work with various 5th wheels as long as they have the SideWinder? • Is it easy to make adjustments to the hitch for the various 5th wheels – i.e, height adjustments? Thanks in advance and any input is appreciated.

asked by: Chris P

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since your 2017 Ram 2500 has the RamBox you will be limited to using a trailer that is equipped with a Sidewinder or a Revolution (the OEM name for the Sidewinder) pin box. This will keep the pin box stationary and allow the trailer to turn via the rotating pin box. A standard pin box will not be able to turn with the limited inside your truck bed because of the RamBox.

We do have 5th wheel base rail kits that are compatible with your Ram. The standard kit is part # RP50054-58, while the outboard kit is part # RP56009-53. The outboard design has wider base rails which makes installing the custom brackets much easier. Both options will allow you to use a 5th wheel hitch that installs in industry standard base rails.

At this time we have not heard of anyone installing the factory prep package on a Ram with the RamBox option equipped. I looked online and it seemed that you could only choose one or the other when ordering from Ram.

Since the Sidewinder itself rotates you will need a stationary 5th wheel hitch. I highly recommend going with the Reese M5 # RP30928 which is rated for 20,000 lbs and features a single jaw design and 4-way pivoting head which allows for easy hookup and a smooth ride. It also has adjustable hitch height of 14" - 18" which you will want to take into account when renting a 5th wheel trailer. The adjustment itself isn't very difficult, but you will want to keep your towing rig as level as possible which may be difficult if you are using multiple 5th wheel trailers.

For the Sidewinder or Revolution to work properly you will also need a wedge. Even though there is a universal wedge that comes with either pin box, I highly recommend getting the Sidewinder Wedge for Reese Select Plus 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # SWW-01 as it was designed for this specific 5th wheel hitch.

If you don't already have a 7-Way connector in the bed of your Ram then I also recommend installing the Bargman # 50-97-410 to make connecting and disconnecting your trailer wiring much easier.

I have attached some installation videos for you to also check out.