16K Sidewinder for Ford F250 with 5-3/4 inch Bed

Expert Reply:

A Sidewinder will relocate the pivot point 22 inches to the rear of the hitch jaws, which is more clearance than a slider would provide. In many cases, the Sidewinder would provide enough clearance to negotiate 90 degree turns, which in a bed as short as yours would not be possible when using a slider. We have a formula which will help you determine how much clearance you would have between the trailer loft and the rear of the truck cab when using a Sidewinder. (A + B) - C = Clearance A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab B = Length of Sidewinder arm (16K = 22", 19K = 22", 19.5K = 22") C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half) For A, measure the distance from the rear of the cab to the center point of the rear axle. If you end up with a positive number, you will have enough clearance between the trailer and the truck cab. If you end up with a negative number, you will not be able to negotiate a 90 degree turn without the trailer striking the rear of the truck cab. The weight of the trailer will still be applied to the hitch, with no added stress to the hitch or the vehicle. Use of a properly installed Sidewinder is fully endorsed by the manufacturers of the fifth wheel hitches that we offer. Our contacts at the hitch manufacturers only recommend using a fifth wheel hitch with a non-sliding hitch. The Sidewinder is pin box specific, in order to purchase the correct unit you will need to have the part number of your existing pin box.

expert reply by: Mike L