Towing Trailer with Goose Box Behind 2016 Ram 2500 with RamBox Feature

Updated 06/23/2024 | Published 02/21/2019

Question:

I have a keystone 308 bh ds with a Reese Goosebox. I need to figure out how to pull this trailer with a the RamBox bed. Any ideas?

asked by: Tommy C

Expert Reply:

There is definitely a way to tow a 5th wheel trailer with your 2016 Ram that is equipped with the RamBox, but it's going to require some new components both on the trailer and your truck.

The issue with the Ram Boxes is that they make the bed rails really narrow on the truck, so much so that you can't make turns without a standard pin box or adapter like a Goose Box knocking into them. The only solution for this is replacing the pin box on the trailer with a pivoting option like the Reese Sidewinder and adding a fixed 5th wheel hitch on the truck. The Sidewinder raises the pivot point to prevent interference with the Ram Boxes.

I have attached an article on this subject that you can check out as well.

Reese Sidewinder king pins are designed to replace the factory pin box on a trailer. In order to select the right option you will need to determine what pin box model you have on your Keystone. If you can give me the part number for your Goose Box I should be able to determine this.

Just as an example, if you happened to have the Reese Goose Box # RP85FR, which is designed to replace the Lippert 1621 model pin box, the correct Sidewinder would be part # RP34FR.

Then with a Sidewinder in place you will need to remove your existing gooseneck hitch and add a fixed 5th wheel hitch and base rails. For a set of base rails that the hitch will mount to I recommend the Reese Quick-Install # RP50054-58 and for the hitch itself the Reese M5 # RP30928 will work perfectly with its forged single-piece jaw for a smooth ride and a 20,000 pound towing capacity. You will also need to add the Custom Wedge # RP44FR to prevent pivot at the jaws with a Sidewinder.

I know this is probably not what you wanted to hear but it really is the only way to safely tow a 5th wheel trailer with the RamBox feature.

expert reply by: Chris R

Greg

6/23/2024

Just read this. Great description and links. Supper bummed because I want a goosebox for my ram with ramboxes. Main reason is for bed space. I currently have a pullrite PULLRITE 2400 ISR Series Superlite 20K Fifth Wheel Hitch. My pinbox hits my rails when I'm not level turning. How heavy is the M5 if I went that route?