Lightweight Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2018 Ram 2500 with RamBox

Question:

This is my second time asking because I was told there Was no way but I’ve read several experts answers that show that it can be done. I own a 2018 Ram 2500 with a ram box and I’m looking at purchasing a cyclone 3600. I would like to use a sidewinder turret along with a fixed fifth wheel hitch to make this work. I need some advice on which fifth wheel hitch I can use that can be removed easily and leave the bed open for work like an under bed mount. Thank you

asked by: Eric C

Expert Reply:

While it may be possible for you to tow a fifth wheel hitch with your 2018 Ram 2500 that has the RamBox, there is a compromise you will need to make as there will not be an underbed mount which you will be able to use.

There is a great option for an easy to remove fifth wheel hitch, the Demco Recon # DM8550043, which comes in two pieces and weighs a total of just 125 lbs, making it the easiest fifth hitch to remove for truck bed access. It has a 21,000 lb towing capacity, a wraparound jaw for a secure connection to your king pin and an automatically locking jaw to reinforce the connection. To use this hitch with a Sidewinder you are going to need the Custom Wedge for Hi-Jacker Fifth Wheels # SWW-05.

You will need to install base rails to mount this hitch and the best option is the Demco Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit # DM8552025-71 because it does not require any drilling into your '18 Ram's frame to install, which is not only good for your truck but will significantly reduce the amount of time it takes to install.

As for the Sidewinder, in order to determine if one will allow you to perform a 90 degree turn, you first need to measure the distance from the center of your fifth wheel hitch jaw to your RamBox. You will also need to know the width of your trailer. You can then use this formula to find out if you can do a 90 degree turn:

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of 5th-wheel hitch jaw to RamBox in inches
B = Length of Sidewinder arm in inches (22)
C = Width of trailer in inches divided by 2

Please keep in mind it is recommended that your Clearance be at least 4 inches to safely make a 90 degree turn.

To choose the correct Sidewinder, you will need to know is the manufacturer and model number of the pin box on your fifth wheel and match that with the correct replacement. For example, Sidewinder # RP34FR will replace Lippert 0719, 1621 and 1621HD, Fabex 663 and 665, as well as M&M 663 and 665 pin boxes. If you are unsure you can contact the seller of the trailer you are looking at and they should be able to tell you.

I have added a link to our entire selection of Sidewinders for you so you can find the correct one, as well as a help article on Sidewinders and video reviews of the Demco Recon # DM8550043 fifth wheel hitch and an install of the Demco Base Rails # DM8552025-71 on a Ram 2500.