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Old 01-26-2017, 10:09 PM   #1
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Rambox with Fifth Wheel Prep Package

Last year I placed a thread on here about trying to figure out a way to tow my fifth wheel with my new Rambox equipped Ram. You cannot get a RAMBOX with the fifth wheel prep package which has the puck system already in place for fifth wheel hitches. I decided to add the b&w turnover ball and use my b&w companion and install a Reese Elite Airborne Sidewinder king pin on my trailer. As many know, b&w states not to do this. I did it anyways. We towed several times last year with no issues. I still think this is a safe option. However, I cannot relax while towing knowing there's a concern here.

So the other night I decided to figure out a different option. BAM. I stumbled across a few forums talking about folks adding a puck kit to their pick ups that didn't come from the factory with the attachments. I checked my truck and all of the holes are in my frame.

I decided to try the install. I ordered it yesterday from my local dealer for $260. It arrived today. Two hours after I started the install it was completed. No sweat. The instructions with it say to lift the bed a couple inches and drop the spare. I did neither and did it alone. Scariest part is drilling the holes but that was the easiest part too.

There's couple different kits you can get. One for the factory gooseneck hitch and one for the factory fifth wheel prep. I just got the fifth wheel prep. It comes with everything you need. Even the covers for the holes.

Here's some pics.

Thanks for looking. Let me know if you have any questions.

Tim
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Old 01-26-2017, 10:19 PM   #2
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Here's the finished product...
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Old 01-26-2017, 10:25 PM   #3
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Top view...before I drilled the front holes.
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Old 01-26-2017, 10:28 PM   #4
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Part number...
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Old 01-26-2017, 10:36 PM   #5
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I will be selling the base off of my companion and buying the puck style base now. Also putting the mor/ryde pin box on the market also. Will add both of these to the for sale page tomorrow as soon as I have the time to dig out the part numbers.
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Old 01-28-2017, 05:28 PM   #6
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Nice install T! No worries using the Airborne Sidewinder now with the puck system! I agree it would take a lot of stress to twist the hex on the companion....but now you dont have to worry at all.



Out of curiosity in your research, did you see anything that stated if the puck system could be added to a 13 model? I guess I have no reason to change mine over though. I just have a mor/ryde pin box and companion that works fine on my long bed.
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Old 01-28-2017, 07:40 PM   #7
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Thanks Sledgehammer. I was beginning to wonder if I was the only one who didn't know this kit was out there for an install. I'm ordering my new base this coming week. I'm very excited about having it prepped like this now.

I do not know for sure if the kit is available for a 2013 but I'm fairly positive it is. There's a couple different kit numbers out there and I'm assuming it has to do with a frame change around 2014?? Dunno for sure tho. The number I originally gave my dealer said that number changed and he couldn't find what it changed to. He just entered a 2016 ram 2500. Didn't ask about the cab or bed length or 4/4. He quickly came up with this kit and I agreed it was worth a shot. Perfect match. I think there's even some attachments you can put in the rear pucks for trailer chains. Really not interested in that tho.

I would think I could probably modify my current base to work in the new pucks if I could get my hands on the male ends that actually go in the bed pucks, but I think I will just order the new base.

Thanks for looking. When I get my base in and get it hooked up I will post more pics.

T
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Old 01-29-2017, 06:20 PM   #8
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Could possibly have something to do with the frame change. The 3500s got the new frame in 2013 but the 2500s didn't until 2014. I don't remember if the fifth wheel prep was offered back then or not.
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Old 01-29-2017, 07:25 PM   #9
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Could possibly have something to do with the frame change. The 3500s got the new frame in 2013 but the 2500s didn't until 2014. I don't remember if the fifth wheel prep was offered back then or not.
You hit the hammer on the nail!
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Old 02-03-2017, 08:52 PM   #10
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New hitch base...
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Old 02-03-2017, 08:54 PM   #11
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New Base...
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Old 04-05-2017, 02:49 PM   #12
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Tgallagher,

I have almost the same truck as you and I have been contemplating doing this for a while now. When you drilled the holes in the bed, did you use the pre-marked spots to make the holes? That is the only part of this project I'm a little concerned with because I don't want to drill holes in the wrong spot.

Thanks,
Ron
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Old 04-05-2017, 09:41 PM   #13
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RonTimmer, what pre marked holes are you referring to? I didn't see any pre markings in my bed but they could be covered by the liner. The instructions are pretty thorough and easy. It gives you easy measurements where to drill a pilot hole then drill your cut outs there. I was nervous for sure but it was easy. I had one hole off a little but the included hole edge covers cover up the gap nicely. No worries.

If you want, I can try to find the instructions and post them for you. With basic knowledge this is an easy install.

Let me know if you need more info.

Tim
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Old 04-06-2017, 07:55 AM   #14
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Tim,

I have the factory spray-in bed liner and right about where it looks like you drilled hole there are some small oval indentations, they almost look like knock outs. I have read your posts and found some others as well and it looks pretty simple if you take your time so I think I'm going to do this this sometime this summer.

Thanks again,
Ron
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Old 04-06-2017, 08:54 AM   #15
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Tgallagher,

I have almost the same truck as you and I have been contemplating doing this for a while now. When you drilled the holes in the bed, did you use the pre-marked spots to make the holes? That is the only part of this project I'm a little concerned with because I don't want to drill holes in the wrong spot.

Thanks,
Ron
I did my non RamBox 3500 just over a month ago. I must have measured and remeasured at least 10 times. You will definitely pucker before you drill each hole...just sayin! Good Luck.
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