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Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch Set Up for a 2016 Ram 2500 w/ Ram Boxes  

Updated 06/15/2026 | Published 06/11/2026

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Question:

I have a 2016 ram 2500 power wagon Laramie with ram box, 38” tires, and no fifth wheel prep package in bed of truck. It does have the 7pin wire connection, brake assist and air bags. We are looking to purchase a 2026 Jayco eagle ht ddb. What fifth wheel hitch do we need and additional accessories to ensure we have enough clearance to avoid hitting bed rails and the unit is level. Any guidance would be appreciated.

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Expert Reply:

Hey Jen, thanks for the information! Since your 2016 Ram 2500 has the Ram Boxes, you'll need to have a rotating pin box installed on your 2026 Jayco Eagle HT DDB. The rotating pin box is the only way to tow a 5th wheel trailer and not hit the Ram Boxes when you take turns. The Ram Boxes give you no clearance for making turns so you must have a rotating pin box to move the the turning point above the side of your bed rails. A sliding 5th wheel hitch does not fix the height clearance issue.

To add a set of 5th wheel rails and a 5th wheel hitch, I recommend the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ram item # BW89XR. This kit includes a custom fit set of 5th wheel brackets, rails, and installation hardware. The brackets are going to install in preexisting holes in your Ram's frame.

The B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch that comes with the item # BW89XR kit has a 18,000 lbs capacity and is compatible with all rotating pin boxes. You will need to purchase a wedge that is compatible with your pin box so the kingpin doesn't spin inside the Patriot's head.

What pin box is on the Jayco Eagle you're looking at?

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Jerred H
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Jen H. profile picture

Jen H.

6/15/2026

I just have a quick follow up question. I was able to contact someone via live chat this morning and they stated the following: My recommendation for your truck For a 2016 Ram 2500 Power Wagon short bed with RamBoxes, I'd start with: B&W Turnoverball (vehicle-specific kit for your truck) B&W Companion Slider RVK3400 Because the Power Wagon almost certainly has the 6'4" short bed, the slider provides 12 inches of rearward travel for additional cab-to-trailer clearance during tight turns. The Fixed Companion (RVK3500) is a great hitch, but I'd only choose it if: The fifth wheel has a rotating turret/pin box specifically approved for use with the hitch setup, or You know the trailer has excellent front-cap clearance and you've confirmed turning angles. So, will the # BW89XR work with a turnoverball because that is what my husband would prefer to go with. I have reached out to the dealer to find out exactly what pin box is on the trailer currently but I believe it's fixed. Let me know which options to go with, I am ready to complete my purchase today.

Jerred H. profile picture
Etrailer Expert

Jerred H.

6/15/2026

@JenH That setup will not work with Ram Boxes. You have to have a rotating pin box to clear the top of your Ram Boxes. That's the biggest concern. The B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider item # BWRVK3400-5W is only 19" tall. My information has Ram Boxes being 20" tall. Additionally, if you install the B&W Turnoverball item # BWGNRK1384 and find out you don't have the height clearance you can't use a rotating pin box. That's why the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and 5th Wheel Rails item # BW89XR is the best option. Who's live chat did you talk to because those are not our part numbers and that is some really bad information?

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