Can A PullRite Sliding Hitch Be Used Instead Of A Sidewinder Pin Box For Ram With Ramboxes

Updated 09/13/2024 | Published 06/10/2023

Question:

Can I use a pullrite glider 5th wheel hitch in sted of a sidewinder pinbox reason I already have a pullrite glider thinking about ram 2020 with ramboxs

asked by: Thomas B

Expert Reply:

PullRite sliding hitches have heads that turn as they slide back which would allow the pin box to turn and make contact with your Ramboxes. Unfortunately Ramboxes limit your options to just a fixed hitch and a rotating pin box. Since you're going to be using a rotating pin box you'll need four points of contact with the truck, which means you'll need to either have an in-bed puck system or base rail kit. Once you know if the truck has an in-bed puck system or if you'll need base rails I'd be happy to find a compatible rail kit for you.

As for the pin box you'll need to determine the bolt pattern in order to find a compatible rotating replacement. There is typically a sticker that lists a serial number and RPO number that we can use to determine the bolt pattern. If you no longer have this sticker then you can use the attached help article below to measure for the bolt pattern.

expert reply by: Kevin C

David

9/11/2024

kevin I have a 2021 Ram 2500 short bed with Ramboxes. Buying a New Keystone Cougar 5th wheel with Lippert Road Armor Trailair hitch. My truck does "NOT" have factory puck . What hitch combination can I install that is the easyest way to have a clean, smoth bed when Im not camping ? I am willing to change out the Road Armor and change over to Goose system with turn-over ball. Help ? ? David 678-300-2222

Kevin C.

9/11/2024

@David Ram boxes would unfortunately prevent you from being able to use the Reese Goose box or any other fixed pin box because they would end up smacking into the Ram boxes when you turn. You would instead need a rotating pin box to move the pivot point up to the trailer. To find the right rotating pin box for your trailer I would need to know the RPO # which would be listed on a white sticker somewhere on the pin box.

David

9/12/2024

@KevinC I have been told to replace my current camper with the Reese Sidewinder. I'm good with that. I will get you the # off the white sticker on the unit. Is there a "Goose Sidewinder" Now for my truck bed! What can I put in the bed, that will work with the Sidewinder to reduce the amount of "time and effort" it takes to have a smooth clear bed when I'm not pulling the RV. Thanks David

Kevin C.

9/13/2024

@David Unfortunately there is not a gooseneck version for rotating pin boxes to keep a clear bed when not towing. Rotating pin boxes require that the 5th wheel hitch makes 4 points of contact to handle the strain of forcing the pivot point back to the trailer. For example, the Companion uses a gooseneck style tube to mount to the bed and even though it can handle the same amount of weight the twisting force on the shank from a rotating pin box will break it. This means you would have to either install base rails and live with them being in the bed all the time or you can swap out the Ram box bed for a standard bed and then your options would open right up. One of my coworkers actually just did this to his 2016 Ram because the Ram boxes were preventing him from using different accessories that mount to the bed and he wanted to get a camper shell installed. If swapping out the bed isn't an option then you'll need to install base rails like the B&W # BWRVK2602 and go with a fixed hitch like the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # BWRVK3255 along with a wedge kit # SWW-06 to lock the pin box in.

Helpful Links

tv-install-b-and-w-patriot-5th-wheel-trailer-hitch-2022-ram-2500-bwrvk3255.aspx