5th Wheel & Sidewinder Needed For 2021 Ram 2500 With RamBox
Question:
I bought a 2021 Ram 2500 Mega Cab short box with Ram Boxes 2 weeks ago to pull a fifth wheel camper and now Im having a hard time finding the correct combination of hitch in the truck and pin box to safely pull the RV. What is the recommendation for the hitch Goose or Fifth and what style pin box/goosebox should I look at. I would prefer to stay away from the Sidewinder set up unless that is my only option. Ultimately I would like to have a BandW hitch with an offset ball in the truck if I could just find the correct goosebox that would give the clearance I need for the sides. I guess clearance at the cab during a turn is also an issue now huh? Thanks
asked by: Shane
Expert Reply:
So for your set up, a 2021 Ram 2500 short bed with the RamBoxes, you will need to use a Sidewinder in order to have the clearance to tow a 5th wheel. The Goose Box doesn't move the pivot point and an offset ball just won't be enough for turning clearance; meaning your only option is the Sidewinder.
I can understand wanting to avoid the Sidewinder route due to the added cost of the Sidewinder, but without it you will basically not be able to make any type of turn without damaging your truck. We can get you set up with the right parts, though you'll need base rails and a standard 5th wheel as opposed to the B&W Companion because it mounts in a gooseneck and that set up isn't compatible with a Sidewinder.
What I recommend is going with Reese base rails that are a custom fit, as well as a Reese 5th wheel hitch that is compatible with a Sidewinder and will give you a comfortable, quiet towing experience. The correct parts for your 2021 Ram 2500 are the following:
- Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30928
- Reese Quick-Install Custom Outboard Installation Kit with Base Rails # RP56009-53
- Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness # C56070
Then for the Sidewinder, the correct one is going to depend on the pin box your 5th wheel camper has, along with the correct wedge for the M5 hitch:
- Lippert 0719, 1621, and 1621HD: 5th Airborne Premium 5th Wheel Air Ride King Pin w/ Sidewinder and Turret # RP61422
- Lippert 1716, 1116, and 0115: Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin # RP77FR
- Sidewinder Wedge Kit # RP44FR
I have added some links below to video reviews for you to check out as well if you'd like to take a look.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 14 - 18 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Reese Quick-Install Custom Outboard Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- 5th Wheel Hitch Rails
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret - Lippert 1716 and 0115 - 20,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Upgraded Pin Box
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Rotating Turret
- Lippert 0115
- Lippert 1116
- Lippert 1716
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 7' Long
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 7 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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on Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
Wesley B.
9/12/2024
Hi, I have the same issue with Ram and Ram Box towing a 5th wheel. I have a 2017 3500 Ram short bed with Ram Boxes. I am looking to purchase a new Grand Design Influence 3503gk. Thanks for your help.