Can I Tow A Fifth Wheel With A 2020 Ram 2500 With Ram Boxes?

Updated 07/16/2024 | Published 03/31/2024

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch w/ Custom Installation Kit - 30,000 lbs

(4757)

$599.00

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

(171)

$260.00

B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs

(771)

$799.00

Question:

Hi, I have a 2020 Ram 2500 with Ram Boxes and I’m looking to upgrade from a bumper pull travel trailer to 5th wheel toy hauler. I’ll likely go with the BandW Turnoverball Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch # BWGNRK1320 and then the offset hitch ball # BWGNXA4085 as previously recommended in your forum here. However, I’d like to know if with this combination the Reese Goose Box 20k will clear my Ram Boxes? Please help before I invest.. Thanks so much, Rhys

asked by: Rhys E

Expert Reply:

Hello Rhys, I can definitely help with this. First, I will start by saying that trucks with the Rambox really are not ideal for towing a 5th wheel camper. It can be done, however I cannot recommend using the Turnoverball, offset ball and goosebox combination that you mentioned. The issue with Ram Box is that it limits the ability of the pin box to rotate in the truck bed. This will drastically decrease your turning clearance and the goosebox would not clear the Ram box on turns.

The only way to tow a 5th wheel with your truck will be to use a stationary rail mounted fifth wheel hitch along with a sidewinder pin box on the camper. This will move the turning point of the trailer up and back 22 inches to avoid contact with the Ram Box.

For a hitch I recommend the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # BWRVK3255 and the rail kit # BWRVK2602. This is the 18K rated patriot 5th wheel hitch and it will be compatible with the necessary sidewinder pin box. The Turnoverball and companion hitch is not compatible with a sidewinder.

As far as the sidewinder, we will need to know what pin box your camper is currently equipped with in order to recommend the correct replacement. It sounds like you have not bought your 5th wheel yet, so the dealer could always provide you with the pin box size. For example, the Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret # RP34FR is a very popular option. This will replace the Lippert 0719, 1621, 1621HD pin boxes, as well as the Fabex 663 and 665, the M&M 663 and 665 and the Lippert Rhino Box. If you can confirm the pin box size on your camper, I am happy to make a more specific recommendation.

expert reply by: Jesse M

Rhys

4/1/2024

Thanks Jesse, I feared as much. Excuse my ignorance, but does the rail kit / hitch have to remain in the bed of the truck permanently or does the kits simply disconnect from the rails when not in use, and just the rails remain? Thanks for letting me know. Rhys

Jesse M.

4/1/2024

@Rhys No worries at all! The rail kit is permanently installed in the bed. The hitch can easily be disconnected from the rails and removed. It is just 4 pins that hold the hitch to the rails. The hitch itself does weigh about 140 lbs but it can be easily separated into two pieces (the head unit and the base) which makes it a bit easier to manage. I linked a video for you below that actually shows this hitch in a truck with the Rambox if you want a better visual.

Helpful Links

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

Rhys

4/1/2024

@JesseM thanks this is great.. do you think this is the only option for Ram Box 2500? Also, what airbags would you suggest? Thanks! Rhys

Jesse M.

4/1/2024

@Rhys Yes, using a fixed 5th wheel hitch and a sidewinder is the only way to safely pull a 5th wheel if you have the Rambox. For air bags I recommend you go with the Air Lift brand since their kits will be compatible with the in-bed fifth wheel hitch brackets. I suggest you go with the # AL88289 kit. Our review and install videos are linked below.

Helpful Links

tv-in-use-air-lift-loadlifter-helper-spring-al88289.aspx

tv-install-air-lift-loadlifter-5000-air-springs-2016-ram-2500-al88289.aspx