How to Fifth Wheel Tow with a Ram Box Equipped Truck  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The only solution for towing a fifth wheel on a Ram Box equipped truck is is to use a Reese Sidewinder in conjunction with a B&W rail mounted hitch like the # BWRVK3255 Patriot and a mounting kit like # RP50054-58.

There are two 5th wheel towing difficulties posed by the fact that the Ram Box option narrows the truck bed. First, when the pin box pivots the corner of it will strike the inside of the bed side near the top, damaging it. Secondly, the latching handle typically cannot be pulled out far enough for the hitch jaws to fully open. The cam action handle of the Patriot swings to the front, instead of being pulled outward, allowing clearance.

The Reese Sidewinder relocates the pivot between the hitch and 5th wheel from the point where the hitch and jaws meet 22 inches rearward to where the pin box attaches to t he 5th wheel. This allows enough clearance so there's no worries of the pin box hitting anything because it won't actually be rotating. The Sidewinder is model specific to the pin box you have so you'll need to match the Sidewinder Model to the model number of the OEM pin box you have. The Lippert 1621 is one of the most common, if that's what you have, you could use the # RP61422 for a 16K capacity or # RP34FR for a 20K capacity. If you have a different pin box, let me know and I'd gladly look for the correct model if you'll provide the pin box model number.

Unfortunately, you wouldn't be able to use your existing Turnover Ball as a mount for a B&W Companion hitch, because that setup won't handle the torque placed upon it by the Sidewinder which is a shame, because that'd be the easiest solution.

expert reply by: Mike L

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