Difficult to Hook and Unhook 5th Wheel Trailer Using Sidewinder Pin Box and Reese 16K Hitch

Updated 10/21/2016 | Published 10/20/2016

Question:

I have F250 super duty diesel, short wheel base, thus I purchased a Reese sidewinder. I pull 2002 jayco 5th wheel: My hitch is a Reese 16K kwikslide. In the last year I have taken it out often, but never without getting embarrassed when I go to unhook and hookup. I have been told I need to adjust the locking wedge, can you shed some light on the subject? I am sending two pictures.

asked by: Dexter B

Expert Reply:

Difficulty hooking/unhooking a 5th wheel trailer when using a Sidewinder pin box is usually related to the positioning of the wedge. Basically what happens is when the wedge is installed some people install it too tight to the hitch funnel. When you install the wedge it just needs to touch the funnel sides and not be forced in beyond that.

Also, if you are using the universal wedge you might want to consider the custom wedge for your hitch. You have the standard Reese 16K hitch so the wedge for it is # 30850.

expert reply by: Michael H