Do Sidewinder Pin Boxes Reduce Highway Stability Since Pivot Point is Moved Back

Updated 04/20/2015 | Published 04/19/2015

Question:

This is the first time I have seen this cleverly designed hitch, and it does seem to solve the problem of turning at slow speeds while parking etc by moving the side to side turning point backwards 22inch while still keeping the vertical weight distribution in front of the rear truck axle. However, it was my understanding that some of the towing stability enjoyed by the 5th wheel vs. standard rear bumper and equalizer hitch was that the horizontal turning point was in front of the rear axle as well. Intuitively it seems to me that braking etc would be more stable with a standard 5th wheel hitch and reduce the risk of jackknifing during panic stops or evasive maneuvers. Does not moving the side to side turning point 22inch back to the rear of the rear axle reduce the benefits of the 5th wheel turning stability at highway speeds compared to a normal 5th wheel? I understand this may be minimal and probably always better than a bumper and equalizer hitch but I hope I have asked this question clearly enough to understand my concern. I do not yet have a truck and this obviously would be a factor in choosing bed length..

asked by: Dell A

Expert Reply:

Since the weight of the trailer will still be on the fifth wheel hitch the additional stability that a fifth wheel trailer has over a bumper trailer would not be reduced at all with a Sidewinder pin box.

The only thing that gets moved back is the pivot point. With a Sidewinder you will notice that the trailer tracks better behind the tow vehicle around corners, will become easier to backup, and will allow you to tow with a short bed truck without cab/trailer interference.

I attached a help article on Sidewinders for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C