RAM Box with non sliding hitch

[brillmtb]

Anyone able to use a non sliding hitch on a RAM box configuration?

 

[SnoKing]

Get a sidewinder pin box, and you will not worry about the pin box mounts hitting the bed rails. If your B&W hitch is not the puck model convert it to that base and install the pucks if you do not have them.

 

[amauri]

I have a 2018 2500 CC SB Rambox towing a 33' Rockwood 5th wheel with Reese revolution pinbox.
Have used it for over a year and 11 camping excursions with my family. Very happy with this setup.

I installed the factory mounts myself, including the 7-pin connector to the LH rear of the bed. Not that difficult.
There is a detailed write up over on the cumminsforum with instructions on how to install the kit and cut the holes in the bed perfectly on center.

The Rambox suits my needs for storing stuff out of the way, and the 6" clearance I have between trailer and top of bed is plenty to open up the Ramboxes while hooked up.

 

[WalterJ]

I have a 2018 2500 CC SB Rambox towing a 33' Rockwood 5th wheel with Reese revolution pinbox.
Have used it for over a year and 11 camping excursions with my family. Very happy with this setup.

I installed the factory mounts myself, including the 7-pin connector to the LH rear of the bed. Not that difficult.
There is a detailed write up over on the cumminsforum with instructions on how to install the kit and cut the holes in the bed perfectly on center.

The Rambox suits my needs for storing stuff out of the way, and the 6" clearance I have between trailer and top of bed is plenty to open up the Ramboxes while hooked up.

Greetings; I almost bought a 2500 version with the Ram Boxes; the sales rep repeated a bulletin that reports the 5'er Pin Box Assy. would rotate into the interior portion of the Ram boxes. So your experience is contrary to that? Could I trouble you for a pic sometime when the rig is in a turning mode? Thanks.

 

[amauri]

I won't be able to post a photo till the next time we go out, but you can google and find lots of videos on how it works.


Your sales rep is correct as far as a fixed pinbox is concerned, it will indeed interfere with the Rambox when the TV and trailer are getting close to 90°.
What you need to picture is that the revolving type pinboxes are locked to the 5th wheel plate with a wedge that prevents them from rotating as you maneuver.
Instead, they rotate at the trailer attachment point, about 22" back from the 5th wheel coupler pin.

I had a hard time understanding this at first until I saw some videos.
The revolving pinbox also makes it possible to use a non sliding hitch on a short bed TV without the trailer hitting the cab in a full 90° turn.

 

[SnoKing]

Greetings; I almost bought a 2500 version with the Ram Boxes; the sales rep repeated a bulletin that reports the 5'er Pin Box Assy. would rotate into the interior portion of the Ram boxes. So your experience is contrary to that? Could I trouble you for a pic sometime when the rig is in a turning mode? Thanks.

The Reese revolution pinbox/side winder pivots at the pin box mounting point, the King Pin has a wedge to keep is from turning the the 5th wheel hitch. So no issue of interference with the bed side rails.

 

[brillmtb]

I am currently using the sidewinder turret on my companion hitch. I don’t think the companion will fit inside with a ram box so would probably have to by new one.

Do the ram box versions come with a factory puck system or do you have to do this yourself.

 

[amauri]

Factory mounts are not available with the Rambox option, you have to install yourself (like I did).
B&W Comanion hitch fits Rambox just fine, see photo bellow (not mine)

 

[brillmtb]

Cool, I wouldnt have to buy another hitch. Where can I find install instructions to put in the puck system?

 

[brillmtb]

Is there any disadvantage to getting the RAM box knowing that I will be towing a 5th wheel but the hitch issue seems to have a solution posted above. Any other downsides?

 

[amauri]

Disadvantage is that you can't tow a trailer without a revolving type pinbox, Rambox not available on a long bed, and can't use a camper shell. Don't know about towing a gooseneck.

As far as instructions for installing the factory mounts, attached is what was included with the Mopar kit I purchased.
They say you have to loosen the bed mounting bolts and lift the bed one side at a time, I did not have to do this. I just worked with the truck on the ground using a creeper ling on my back.

Here is a post from cumminsforum with details:
https://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/...64-factory-fifth-wheel-puck-installation.html

And another post with details on how to install the 7-pin harness in the Bambox bed:
https://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/...ry-fifth-wheel-wire-harness-installation.html

 

[SnoKing]

Disadvantage is that you can't tow a trailer without a revolving type pinbox, Rambox not available on a long bed, and can't use a camper shell. Don't know about towing a gooseneck.

As far as instructions for installing the factory mounts, attached is what was included with the Mopar kit I purchased.
They say you have to loosen the bed mounting bolts and lift the bed one side at a time, I did not have to do this. I just worked with the truck on the ground using a creeper ling on my back.

Here is a post from cumminsforum with details:
https://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/...64-factory-fifth-wheel-puck-installation.html

And another post with details on how to install the 7-pin harness in the Bambox bed:
https://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/...ry-fifth-wheel-wire-harness-installation.html

Not sure on the latest models, however my 2015 3500 had to have the bed raised. 2500's in that vintage did not have both frame plates pre-welded onto the frame rails, one was bolted, thus no need to raise bed to put the puck in place.