More Clearance for Short Bed With Atwood AB72 Pin Box

Updated 07/22/2024 | Published 12/25/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret - 20,000 lbs

(43)

$1350.54

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 21,000 lbs

(711)

$2173.00

Question:

I have an Atwood AB 72 pin box and need extra clearance for short bed truck. I like the sidewinder but cant finger out which one might work. What advise can you give? I do have access to welder, and machining to make shims if that is an option. Thanks

asked by: Steve

Helpful Expert Reply:

I can help you figure out how to get more turning clearance with your short bed truck.

Due to the style of the Atwood pin box you have on your trailer the Sidewinder is not recommended to be used. An alternative to this would be a sliding hitch. A sliding hitch will give you turning clearance for your trailer just not the 90 degrees that the Sidewinder provides.

I really like the Demco Hijacker AutoSlide's, # DM8550035, technology because you never have to get in or out of your bed to adjust the hitch from towing to turning, it just automatically takes care of it for you. It is important to note that you can still tow your trailer with your short bed, just be aware of your turning limitations before venturing out.

If you'd like to tell me how heavy your trailer is and what vehicle you are towing with, I would be more than happy to pick out a sliding hitch to meet your needs.

expert reply by: Jackie C

Zon A.

7/22/2024

Jackie, I also have an older trailer either the Atwood AB-72 hitch. My truck is an F350, 6.5 foot bed. I am new to all of this stuff and have had a school of hard knocks. The truck has a roll over BW ball. I have wanted to convert to goose neck of possible. That would be the first want. My brother-in-law pulled it to my house, with his 8 foot truck bed, where it is now stuck since I can't get a pin box figured out to get cab clearance for my truck. The RV store, using the ETrailer website to choose a replacement, came up with the Lippert 1621 SHD. i bought it. It will not mount in place of the AB-72. Any insight or knowledge of and extended pin box that will mount, would be appreciated Thank you

Jameson C.

7/22/2024

@ZonA Unless you are willing to get rid of the B and W Turnoverball to go with a set of fifth wheel rails the best option would be the part # BWGNXA4085 which would give you 4 inches of additional clearance which is probably not quite enough.