Can I Tow a 5th Wheel Trailer with a 2014 Ram 1500 Short Bed with Ram Boxes
Updated 09/15/2014 | Published 09/13/2014
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 2014 Ram 2500 shortbed with Ram boxes, will a gooseneck hitch allow me to pull a 5th wheel with this truck, I have been told that a 5th wheel trailer is not recommended for this truck configuration but hoped that with a gooseneck hitch that may not be so?
asked by: John M
Expert Reply:
The issue is not about the type of hitch or trailer, it is the decreased bed width on models that have the Ram Box feature. Customers have told us that they can install a 5th wheel hitch on models with Ram Boxes but it is not recommended by hitch manufacturers.
What you would have to do is install a 5th wheel trailer hitch installation kit such as # C16427-204. Then, to tow a 5th wheel trailer without having issues with the Ram Boxes and more narrow bed, you would have to install a Sidewinder pin box on the trailer.
A Sidewinder will move the pivot point of the trailer back 22 inches. This is supposed to provide enough clearance so that when the trailer turns it will not interfere with the bed sides. However this has not been confirmed by any hitch manufacturers and is a proceed at your own risk type of situation.
The other hurdle is that you have to determine if there is a Sidewinder that will fit the trailer. For that I would need to know the pin box manufacturer and model number. This information should be on a sticker or plate on the pin box. Then we can use the chart in the Sidewinder help page, linked to the right, to determine if there is a Sidewinder that will fit.
Then you will need a fixed 5th wheel hitch with enough capacity for the trailer. You could go with # RP30047 for an entry level 16K hitch.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hide-A-Goose Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch - 20,000 lbs
- Gooseneck Hitch
- Below the Bed
- Flip-Over Ball
- 5000 lbs TW
- 20000 lbs GTW
- In Bed Release
- Spring-Loaded Loop
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: How to Determine if Factory Gooseneck Trailer Hitch is Installed in a 2016 Ram 2500
- Q&A: Do You Have a Gooseneck Hitch for a 2021 Chevy Silverado 5500?
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Article: Best 5th Wheel to Gooseneck Adapters (2023)
- Article: Ram Trailer Tow Prep Package
- Q&A: Replacement Idler Hub For a 2017 Triton LTWCI-T Boat Trailer With 2,000LB Trailer Axle and Knott Hub
- Q&A: What Do I Need To Add A Brake Controller To My 2002 Winnebago Journey Towing A Trailer
- Q&A: Replacement Bearings, Races, Seal, and Studs for Trailer Hub 008-479-05
- Q&A: Offset Gooseneck Ball Recommendation for Draw Tite Hitch in 2016 Ram 3500
- Q&A: Recommendations for 5th Wheel Trailer Connection With Gooseneck Hitch
- Article: Stability Control for Heavy Duty Vehicles
- Article: How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 4-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)