Can I Use a Sidewinder Pin Box on a 2019 Ram 2500 with Rambox  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes. We've recently determined that you can safely use a Sidewinder style pin box on Ram trucks with the RamBoxes. In order to replace the pin box on your 5th Wheel trailer with a Sidewinder style pin box you will first need to determine which model pin box you currently have on your trailer; there should be a plate on the pin box somewhere that will have the specifications and model number on it. For reference, the Reese # RP61422 is a replacement for the Lippert 1621, Lippert 1621HD and a number of other pin boxes.

I've linked our entire selection of rotating pin boxes that you can search through to find your match, as well as one of our helpful articles that details how you can measure to determine your replacement if you can't find any identifying model numbers on your pin box.

The other important thing to consider is whether or not the hitch you currently have is compatible with a Sidewinder style pin box; if you are using a sliding hitch, you won't be able to use a Sidewinder style pin box. If you can let me know what model pin box you have, as well as the type of 5th wheel hitch you have, I can help you determine what will work best for you.

expert reply by: Erik B

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Trish

1/9/2020

My biggest concern now is the distance from the bed to the K-pin when turning.

Jacob H.

1/21/2020

It has been confirmed to not make contact with the side rails of a Ram with Ramboxes.

Trish

1/10/2020

Will the sidewinder prevent the K-Pin form hitting the bed of the truck with rambox when a turn is made?

Erik B.

1/10/2020

A regular king pin and pin box should not make contact with your Ramboxes when turning, so it doesn't really prevent that issue from happening if that's currently the case. However, a Sidewinder pinbox can be safely used with the Ramboxes and will not make contact with them when making turns. If you're already having an issue with the hitch sitting too low in the truck and your kingpin making contact with the side rails of the truck, it will not correct this issue. Most 5th Wheel hitches have the ability to adjust the height of the hitch head, at least a little bit; if this is something you're experiencing and seeking to correct, I would start by adjusting the highest setting you can that will still keep the trailer level. The picture attached to the previous answer shows one of our customers using a Sidewinder with their Ram truck with Ramboxes and no issues turning. As long as your 5th wheel hitch does not sit significantly below the bed rails, you can expect the same experience.