Can I Hook and Unhook Fifth-Wheel Trailer at an Angle with a Sidewinder

Published 08/08/2017

Question:

Sidewinder Pin Box. Can you unhook and hook up on a angle or do you have to be straight in front of the fifth wheel? can you manually turn the pin box in the direction you are backing up to it?

asked by: Dennis R

Expert Reply:

I spoke with the manufacturer, who strongly recommended staying fairly straight-on while hitching and unhitching. Even being off by 10 degrees will make it difficult to hitch and unhitch your trailer when using a Sidewinder.

As for whether you can manually adjust the pin box—Sidewinders are difficult to move by hand, especially when new. Once you unhitch, it may be difficult to move the Sidewinder into a position that will allow you to hook up.

expert reply by: Amber S