Can 5th Wheel Hitch be Installed on 2018 Ram 2500 with Ram Box
Question:
good morning chris. i am still a little fuzzy on why i have to buy a new pin box.is the new pin box designed that much different than the ones that come with the rvs? if i bought a new rv, would i have to go right out and buy a new pin box? it does not make sense that all of a sudden we have to go and change everything.sorry for the ranting. thank you.
asked by: Paul
Expert Reply:
You can indeed install a 5th wheel trailer hitch on your 2018 Ram 2500 without the factory puck system but the Ram Boxes will require that another component be added to your setup. Because the Ram Boxes limit the available turning clearance over the bed, a Reese Sidewinder or other similar pin box that moves the pivot point away from the king pin will need to be on the trailer. This is the only way to allow for proper turning clearance with the Ram Box models regardless of whether or not it is equipped with the puck system.
Starting with the hitch itself I recommend taking a look at the Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30928. This is an excellent 20K hitch that features a forged single-piece jaw that will provide a secure connection to the trailer and a really smooth ride. For a base rail kit the Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit # RP50054-58 will work perfectly.
Then in order to select the correct Reese Sidewinder you will need to identify the existing pin box model number on the trailer. This information is usually stamped onto the pin box itself or listed on a sticker. I have attached a link that will take you to our selection of Sidewinder pin boxes that you can look through. You can select your pin box model on the left side of the page to see the available Sidewinders that are compatible.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 14 - 18 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Paul
11/6/2018
thanks chris for answering my hitch question. i already have a pull rite superglyde in my present ram which i will transfer over to the 2018. what part would i need to make the pull rite work with the 2018 box? thanks