How to Install a Sidewinder Wedge

Updated 03/25/2020 | Published 05/24/2018

Question:

How is the wedge attached to the arm of the Reese Revolution?

asked by: Mark

Expert Reply:

The wedge is attached to the arm of the Sidewinder via two 5/8" bolts. If you take a look at the instructions below in addition to the photo, you can see how the wedge is installed. Please keep in mind that certain 5th wheel hitches will require a custom wedge so if you can let me know which 5th wheel hitch you have, I would be glad to make sure you get the correct wedge.

1) Verify the part number with shipping paperwork. Verify that the wedge is named for your 5th wheel hitch or you have the universal wedge.

2) Verify that you also have two (2) 5/8 bolts and two (2) 5/8 conical washers.

3) With the truck unhooked from the unit bolt the wedge to the Sidewinder. The wedge needs to be positioned with the narrow end towards the front of the unit and the recessed area downward. The recessed area is for socket head clearance to the bolts. Install bolts hand tight including the conical washers, then slide the wedge to the rear most position of the slot.

4) Hook the truck to the unit. Back straight into the Sidewinder. Make sure hitch jaws close. Pull forward slightly to align truck, Sidewinder and 5th wheel in a straight position. Set brakes, turn off truck and lower trailer landing gear to the ground.

5) Slide wedge forward to make contact in to the 5th wheel hitch head. A slight tapping on the rear of the wedge with a hammer may help with this step.

6) Torque the wedge bolts to 150 ft. lbs.

7) Unhook the truck from the unit. Apply a small amount of grease to sides of the wedge block. This will allow a much easier hook-up.

8) Connect the Sidewinder to your hitch in back of the truck making sure hitch jaws close.

expert reply by: Conner L

click to enlarge

Joseph B.

3/25/2020

I have a reese sidewinder hitch but my problem is getting the hitch to lock in. Every time I try to hook up it will take 4 or 5 time to get it to lock in.what Im doing wrongThanks,

Chris R.

3/25/2020

I think you're referring to the actual hookup process of attaching the Sidewinder to your in-bed hitch (let me know if I'm wrong). If it's taking a handful of tries each time, make sure you are parked on as level ground as possible. This suggestion is true of any hitch and pin box style, but the Sidewinder tends to be particularly sensitive to this. It's likely that the slight elevation or decline is preventing the king pin from fully and easily engaging into the hitch jaws.