Can 2017 Ram 2500 with RamBoxes Tow Fifth Wheel Trailer

Published 11/03/2022

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(173)

$260.00

B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(772)

$699.00

Question:

Ive been doing a ton of research on adding a 5th wheel hitch to my truck, a 2017 2500 limited with Ram Boxes. RAM absolutely does not equip any truck that has Ram Boxes with the 5th wheel prep kit. At first I was optimistic, there were a number of posts and videos talking about adding the 5th wheel hitch even with the Ram Boxes. Aftermarket RAM 5th wheel prep kits are available. I found the BandW RVK3400 Companion Slider 5th Wheel Hitch. This seemed great since I could install a BandW Turnoverball 1384 to my non 5th wheel truck. The main issue towing with the Ram Boxes is the 5th wheel pin box possibly hitting the sides of the truck bed in certain instances. The resolution to that is to add a 5th wheel pin box similar to the Reese 5th Airborne Premium 5th Wheel Air Ride King Pin w/ Sidewinder and Turret to the trailer. Somewhat expensive but not out of the question. Then i learned that the sidewinder cant be used with a hitch connected to the Turnoverball system due to the torque the sidewinder can put on the hitch. Well S^#. Is there a solution available, or do I really need a new truck?

asked by: Justin W

Expert Reply:

You are on the right track and have all of the info correct so far. So you will need a Sidewinder on the trailer so that the pivot point is up higher and the pin box won't hit the Ram Boxes of your 2017 Ram 2500 but you need a fifth wheel setup that installs into a standard set of above bed rails since that gives the hitch 4 points of contact instead of just the gooseneck hitch post of the Turnoverball.

So you could use the Patriot B and W Hitch part # BWRVK3200 which has the same really nice jaw design of the Companion but uses the standard above bed rails like you'd need. Then for the rail kit you'd want the part # BWRVK2602 which is custom fit for your truck for an easier install. The Sidewinders are pin box specific so I can't recommend one of those till you know what trailer you are going to be towing and what pin box model it has on it.

expert reply by: Jameson C