Difference Between Sidewinder Reese Revolution and 5th Airborne Pin Box

Updated 04/13/2018 | Published 04/12/2018

Question:

I am planning to purchase a fifth wheel and have a F150 with 5 1/2 box. I installed a Demco Recon hitch and need a rotating pin box. Could you help me understand the difference between the Reese Sidewinder, 5th Airborne Sidewinder, and Revolution. Which would you recommend or are there other brands to consider.

asked by: Clay

Helpful Expert Reply:

The Reese Sidewinder and Revolution are the exact same thing. Sidewinder is the brand name when you buy one aftermarket and Revolution is the name if the pin box came on the trailer frame the factory. So basically Reese sells Sidewinders to customers and Revolutions to trailer manufacturers. But they are the exact same.

5th Airborne setups are a cushioned pin box that can be offered as a standalone cushioned pin box or as integrated into a Sidewinder/Revolution. So basically if you need the clearance of a Sidewinder/Revolution but also want it to be cushioned you go with a Sidewinder 5th Airborne.

Since you have such a short bed you will need to replace your current pin box with a Sidewinder so that you can make tight turns without interference.

You will need to remove the pin box of the trailer and replace it with a Sidewinder pin box. Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have now in order to pick out the correct one.

There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.

Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.

The Demco Recon part # DM8550043 can be used with a Sidewinder/Revolution but you'll need the correct wedge part # SWW-05 and you'd be set.