Parts Needed to Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer with a 2012 Ram 1500 with a 5-1/2 ft Bed

Question:

Is it possible or wise to pull a light weight 21-25foot 5th wheel on a RAM 1500 Laramie crew cab with a 67inch short box? Thanks for the advice.

asked by: Corey

Expert Reply:

As long as you stay under the towing capacity of your 2012 Ram 1500 towing a fifth wheel trailer would be a perfectly fine idea. Since your truck bed is shorter than 6 feet you will have to go about things a bit differently so that you'll have enough clearance to make 90 degree turns.

You will need to remove the pin box of the trailer and replace it with a Sidewinder pin box. Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have now in order to pick out the correct one.

There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.

Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.

Now you'll need a rail kit for the bed of your truck, for that I would recommend the Reese Semi Custom Install Kit part # RP30035-386. For a hitch you will need a stationary hitch like the Reese 20K Hitch part # RP30928.

expert reply by: Jameson C