Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2014 Ram 2500 Short Bed w/ Ramboxes
Updated 01/07/2021 | Published 01/04/2021
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Question:
2014 Ram 2500 4x4 with the RAMBOX. I plan on buying the Reese sidewinder for the 36 foot sprinter 5th wheel trailer. But I cannot find a hitch for the bed that is not a slider type. I would like to stay with Reese, only because they have the shim block that is compatible. Do you have a complete kit for my vehicle? It doesnt have the pre prep package. Thank you.
asked by: James H
Expert Reply:
We've found that most 5th wheel hitches don't work well in Rambox equipped trucks. Not only because the pin box will hit the bed sides during turns (which is why the Sidewinder is needed) but because the vast majority of the latch handles on 5th wheel hitches pull outward to unlatch. Because the Rambox option significantly narrows the truck bed, the handle can't be pulled out far enough to unlatch the king pin without modifying the hitch in some way which voids the hitch warranty.
The good news is that we do offer a non-sliding hitch that will work perfectly in conjunction with the # RP34FR Sidewinder on a Rambox equipped truck. The B&W Patriot, part # BWRVK3200 for a 16K capacity or # BWRVK3255 for an 18K capacity features an actuating handle that pivots forward toward the truck cab, so it'll work just fine with the Rambox. To install the hitch, you'd need the # BWRVR3202-00 bracket/rail kit.
For the shim kit (or wedge, as Reese refers to it) Reese offers a B&W compatible wedge, part # SWW-06. The wedge will prevent the Sidewinder king pin from rotating in the hitch jaws so the Sidewinder will work correctly.
Finally, if you'd like to install a 7-way trailer connector in the truck bed, you can do so using part # C56000.
I've linked to installation and description videos for the products mentioned above.
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