Why Would Sidewinder Pin Box Have Quite a Bit of Chucking and Noise
Updated 03/26/2018 | Published 03/24/2018
Question:
I have a 2015 F150 short bed pulling a lightweight 8400 lb 5th wheel. I have a Sidewinder and am very disappointed in it. I get severe chucking and lurching to the point I am very nervous pulling it. Are there known issues with the Sidewinder doing this? I would like to consider an automatic sliding hitch. What do you recommend?
asked by: Larry M
Expert Reply:
Sidewinder pin boxes are not know for chucking at all. I would suspect you aren't using the correct wedge for the fifth wheel hitch that you have and that's why there is excess movement/chucking. Using a hitch with a jaw design that fits the king pin tightly as well as using the correct wedge will be what will give you a smooth ride quality.
For example, if you used the Reese Select Plus hitch part # RP30081 which has a very nice jaw system with the wedge part # SWW-01 you'd have a very quiet and comfortable ride.
Let me know what hitch you have and I'll recommend the correct wedge and we can go from there.
