5th Wheel Hitch for 2014 Ram 3500 Short Bed with RamBox
Question:
would this hitch work on a 2014 Ram 3500 with Ram boxes. Looking to hook it to a 2008 Americana 36-37 RL w/trailair kingpin.
asked by: Jeff
Expert Reply:
I'll start off by saying that because your 2014 Ram 3500 has the Ram Box cargo management feature, you will need to use a Sidewinder King Pin. The problem with the Ram Box is that is that it puts the rails of the bed too close together and it causes interference with the pin box of the trailer around corners. We have heard several customers say that with a Sidewinder pin box they were able to tow a fifth wheel trailer with a truck with a Ram Box. Sidewinders move the pivot point higher so the Ram Box wouldn't interfere.
Because you'll need to install a Sidewinder and the Demco Hijacker Autoslide # DM8550041 is a sliding hitch, the two components are not compatible. Instead, you'll want to use the Reese # RP30928 and mounting rails # RP30035-520 which will give you a 5th wheel hitch that installs on above bed rails. This Reese 5th wheel hitch has a single jaw with 360 degree kingpin contact for added security and less rattle than slide bar jaws and this hitch allows for up to 4" in height adjustment, which is necessary because of the RamBoxes. When using this setup you'll want to make sure that the hitch is adjusted to the highest position and you are hooking up and unhooking on level ground. You'll also need the Wedge Kit # RP44FR to prevent the king pin from pivoting in the jaws of the hitch.
Since you'll need to replace your TrailAir Pin Box, I've linked our selection of Sidewinder pin boxes for you. You'll need to check your pin box for the model number and then replace it with a Sidewinder that has the same dimensions/fit. I've linked a helpful article on how to find this information and what Sidewinder to use, as well as some other videos and links that you might find helpful in this situation.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese Semi-Custom Base Rail and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - Ram
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Semi-Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
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 >
Sidewinder Wedge Kit for 20,000-lb Reese ELITE, M-Series, or ProSeries Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel King Pin
- Wedges
- Pro Series 5th Wheel
- Reese 5th Wheel
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Under Bed - 13,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 3250 lbs Vertical Load
- 13000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 15-1/2 - 18-1/4 Inch Tall
- 22-1/2 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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