Can Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch be Used with Reese Sidewinder Pin Box

Updated 09/08/2024 | Published 09/08/2018

Question:

I just switched trucks. Had a 14 ram Quad cab with the 6.5 ft box. Now i have a 14 Ram with the 5.5 ft box. I Used a Reese 16k slider in the 6.5 ft box. Can I use this same hitch but with the sidewinder put on my 5th wheel trailer? I know I wont have to use the slider part anymore but I really dont want to purchase another hitch. I know that you cant use the sidewinder with the auto slides but how about the manual ones?

asked by: RON S

Expert Reply:

Yes, you can indeed continue to use your existing manual sliding 5th wheel hitch with a Sidewinder pin box like the part # RP34FR that you were looking at. As you mentioned, once the Sidewinder is on the trailer you won't be able to use slider (you also won't have a need for it) but as long as you keep it in the forward position there is no issue with this combination.

This particular Sidewinder is designed to replace the Fabex 663 and 665, the Lippert 0719, 1621, 1621HD, and the M&M 663 and 665 pin boxes. You will just want to make sure that this is the model pin box currently on your trailer for this to be compatible. I have attached the written installation instructions that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R

Alexander

9/8/2024

If u have a manual slide and sidewinder can u load in the slid back position? then move forward? my tailgate hits before truck is hooked up looking for options other the taking gate off.