Can a 5th Wheel Trailer Pin Box be Safely Extended 12 Inches

Updated 10/02/2017 | Published 10/01/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Trailair Rota-Flex 5th Wheel Pin Box - Lippert 1621 or 1621HD - 18,000 lbs

(86)

$721.27

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 13,000 lbs

(711)

$2145.00

Question:

I have a 2002 hitchhiker5 th wheel and need to extend the kingpin out approx 12 mo Inches

asked by: Darrel S

Expert Reply:

I do have some potential solutions for you but there isn't a safe way to extend a 5th wheel trailer pin box. An extension would add additional stress to the trailer frame leading to damage or failure.

In order to move the pivot point of a trailer you can use either a slider 5th wheel trailer hitch in the truck OR a Sidewinder pin box on the trailer. If you already have a hitch and don't want to change it then we would need to look at Sidewinders. The Sidewinder will not extend the pin box, so no stress is added, but it does move the pivot point back 22 inches. Instead of pivoting at the hitch the trailer will pivot at the pin box, specifically at the Sidewinder's turret which is the part that attaches to the trailer.

To determine if there is a Sidewinder that will fit the trailer I would need to know the manufacturer and model of the pin box itself. This information is usually located on a sticker or plate on the pin box. If that information is not available you can use the help article linked below to take some measurements of the pin box to identify it.

If you are open to a different hitch and the trailer weighs under 13,000 pounds then you can use the Demco 13K HiJacker # DM8550040 which fits in industry standard rails. This hitch slides automatically and has 22-1/2 inches of travel. I have linked a video review of this hitch for you.

expert reply by: Michael H