Towing 5th Wheel with RAM 2500 short bed with RAMBOX

dkdorr

Member
I know that someone else on here had this issue so I thought I would chime in better late than never!
So they said it couldn't be done...tow a 5th wheel with my RAM the way I have set up, short bed with RAMBOX. It was a challenge but I finally got it done. My setup is a Curt 16K Hitch
http://www.curtmfg.com/part/16116 with bed rails using the frame kit http://www.curtmfg.com/Search?term=16426 and what really makes it work is using the Reese 5th Airborne Sidewinder http://www.etrailer.com/Fifth-Wheel-King-Pin/Reese/RP61452.html I bought the Hitch and install kit off Amazon and got a great price on both. The Sidewinder I got from eTrailer. Very good to work with! I had the hitch installed yesterday by a shop close to me and they also installed a wiring kit http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Curt/C56070.html into the bed of my truck in a spot that did not affect the RAMBOX or the bed. I have a Bakflip bedcover and it fits perfect over the hitch. My neighbor and I installed the Sidewinder on my Arctic Fox 29-5E. All I can say is that it towed great going for a quick spin around the neighborhood. Tracked well and very easy to hook up and take down. I did have to modify the handle of the Curt Hitch as it had too much pull distance but that was easy, just drilled a new hold for attaching and then cut it back a couple inches. I will get the lock tab welded back on soon but for now good to go!. Hopefully this will help others that have a short bed with a RAMBOX setup that have been told it can't be done, well it can but you just have to work at it. The issue is only that you lose the area above the wheel wells but if you get a hitch that has a handle that either rotates or that can be modified you are good. I have a buddy who did the same thing but used a Demco 5[SUP]th[/SUP] wheel hitch. You DO NOT want to get a slider hitch with the RAMBOX. If you only have a short bed you can use a slider or what I did the Sidewinder (which I think is much better). If you decide to go with the Curt Hitch be advised that Reese Sidewinder will NOT work with the new “Q” style, you must get the “E” style hitch. Has to do with the wedge that gets installed. Well hope this helps others with RAMBOX!
 

jimtoo

Moderator
Hi dkdorr,

Welcome to the Heartland Owners Forum. We have a lot of great information and lots of great folks here.

Hope to see you in a Heartland RV.

Jim M
 

DW_Gray

Well-known member
Ram with Rambox..

Year? Pictures? More details about your Ram please.
 
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Rrloren

Well-known member
I'm confused as to why this was needed? I tow my Sundance with a Ram shortbed and have never had a problem with my Reese hitch without a slider.
Is it because of the 5th wheel I tow?
 

danemayer

Well-known member
The Rambox feature looks like a great idea - toolboxes built into the fender space outside the bed, accessible from the top. I drooled over them when we were shopping. Unfortunately, not available on duallies.
 

gtsum2

Active Member
The ram boxes take up all the room from edge of bed to about the wheel well. I would think they would get hit when turning but I guess not in this case
 
I know that someone else on here had this issue so I thought I would chime in better late than never!
So they said it couldn't be done...tow a 5th wheel with my RAM the way I have set up, short bed with RAMBOX. It was a challenge but I finally got it done. My setup is a Curt 16K Hitch
http://www.curtmfg.com/part/16116 with bed rails using the frame kit http://www.curtmfg.com/Search?term=16426 and what really makes it work is using the Reese 5th Airborne Sidewinder http://www.etrailer.com/Fifth-Wheel-King-Pin/Reese/RP61452.html I bought the Hitch and install kit off Amazon and got a great price on both. The Sidewinder I got from eTrailer. Very good to work with! I had the hitch installed yesterday by a shop close to me and they also installed a wiring kit http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Curt/C56070.html into the bed of my truck in a spot that did not affect the RAMBOX or the bed. I have a Bakflip bedcover and it fits perfect over the hitch. My neighbor and I installed the Sidewinder on my Arctic Fox 29-5E. All I can say is that it towed great going for a quick spin around the neighborhood. Tracked well and very easy to hook up and take down. I did have to modify the handle of the Curt Hitch as it had too much pull distance but that was easy, just drilled a new hold for attaching and then cut it back a couple inches. I will get the lock tab welded back on soon but for now good to go!. Hopefully this will help others that have a short bed with a RAMBOX setup that have been told it can't be done, well it can but you just have to work at it. The issue is only that you lose the area above the wheel wells but if you get a hitch that has a handle that either rotates or that can be modified you are good. I have a buddy who did the same thing but used a Demco 5[SUP]th[/SUP] wheel hitch. You DO NOT want to get a slider hitch with the RAMBOX. If you only have a short bed you can use a slider or what I did the Sidewinder (which I think is much better). If you decide to go with the Curt Hitch be advised that Reese Sidewinder will NOT work with the new “Q” style, you must get the “E” style hitch. Has to do with the wedge that gets installed. Well hope this helps others with RAMBOX!

I have a 2014 2500 Rambox Megacab. I purchased the Sidewinder, and went to my local trailer place to have them install the rails to my hitch and they said they can't do it since the frame curves by the shocks. Does the Rambox have a different frame than the regular box? did you have any issues installing? They came up with the suggestion of the B&W turnover with the Curt rail adapter that fits into the B&W but that's a total of $1000. I'm hoping you can help me out. Thank you!!
 

DW_Gray

Well-known member
Hmm... I wonder if the new Andersen Aluminum Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection (gooseneck version) would be the perfect solution for Mega Cab trucks with the Rambox? I talked to Steve Andersen a few weeks ago about it and I've decided to give up my B&W Companion 5th wheel hitch for it. Amazing capacity and strength for a 32 pound hitch.
 

mobilcastle

Well-known member
Hi Dave,
Hope you are happy with the new Anderson. I really like my B&W and would have to think long and hard to switch. Good luck.
Hmm... I wonder if the new Andersen Aluminum Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection (gooseneck version) would be the perfect solution for Mega Cab trucks with the Rambox? I talked to Steve Andersen a few weeks ago about it and I've decided to give up my B&W Companion 5th wheel hitch for it. Amazing capacity and strength for a 32 pound hitch.
 

DW_Gray

Well-known member
How is the Andersen working with your megacab?
I don't have a Mega Cab. Sorry, I didn't mean to imply I had one. I was just sharing an alternative to making the Rambox work for towing 5th wheels. The reason that the light weight Anderson appeals to me is it would make my cardiologist more comfortable. I haven't ordered it yet.
 
i have a 2015 ram 2500 with ramboxes i tow a 40 foot cyclone i have a run of the mill husky 26k sliding hitch and have no problems at all. put the hitch bolts at the highest notch and raise your trailer no lift kit neede just a adjustment on where it sits and fabe your hitch lock jaw handle by cutting and welding so it can come out and lock. im telling you i went through **** with people telling me it couldnt be done and i need fancy crap and thats all bs this works and i have my ramboxes. if your serious about it dont wast money just do this
 
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