Do I Need a Sidewinder with a 2016 Ram 2500 with Ramboxes

Published 08/08/2017

Question:

Im looking at getting a 2016 2500 Mega cab with Ramboxes and I was wondering if i can use an Aluminum Ultimate 5th Wheel hitch without damaging the Ramboxes. I read that some people use a Reese Revolution/Sidewinder with a normal 5th wheel hitch with the Ramboxes, but i want to use the Andersen. Is there a combination that works?

asked by: Jason

Expert Reply:

Unfortunately, the Ramboxes make the bed rails too narrow for a standard fifth wheel trailer pin box to be able to make turns without causing interference.

The only way to tow a fifth wheel trailer with a vehicle that has a Rambox is to use a Sidewinder pin box on the trailer. You should note that Sidewinder has not tested this, but we know from our customers who have tried this setup that the Sidewinder will give the Rambox trucks the ability to tow a trailer.

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. I have attached an article that includes a table of popular OEM models and the compatible Sidewinder replacements. Once you figure out which pin box you have, you can check the chart to determine the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have. I've also attached an article with a list of products incompatible with Sidewinders.

Sidewinders cannot be used with fifth wheel adapters that connect to a gooseneck ball, but as long as the Andersen is a standard fifth wheel hitch, you should still be able to use it with a Sidewinder.

I've attached a link to our Sidewinder selection page. You can use the filters on the left side of the page to make a selection once you know your pin box number.

expert reply by: Amber S