Comparing Sliding 5th Wheel and Sidewinder Pivoting Pin Box for Short Bed Ford F-350  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Unless your 5th wheel trailer is equipped with a specialized pivoting pin box (called a Revolution, Sidewinder or Turning Point) you will need a sliding type 5th wheel hitch in order to have enough turning clearance between the truck cab and the trailer overhang. Either a Sidewinder or sliding hitch is necessary to prevent the possibility of the trailer from contacting the cab and damaging the vehicle when you're making tight near-90-degree turns.

For a custom installation kit that will save you install time and require less drilling I suggest the Reese Quick-Install kit # RP50082-58. For the easiest possible install an outboard kit # RP56005-53 is preferred since it uses special brackets that mount to the outsides of the frame rails; this kit naturally costs more. The most economical base rail kit for your truck is the universal kit # RP30035 which will require the most drilling and the longest overall installation time. Any of these three options provides the same industry-standard rails (ISRs) that allow installation of any brand of standard 5th wheel hitch, including the Reese 16K Slider hitch # RP30051. With any of these kits you can use in-bed wiring harness # 50-97-410 for an easier electrical hookup.

If you have or prefer a fixed (non-sliding) hitch like the 20K Reese # RP30928 that you referenced you will need a Sidewinder replacement pin box on the trailer. This will shift the truck/trailer pivot point to the rear by a full 22-inches. The Sidewinder is used with a wedge that locks the pin box in place at the hitch so that it will pivot at the rear turret to give you the additional turning clearance you need.

Sidewinders are selected based on the OEM pin box on the trailer. The linked article includes a cross reference to help you match the correct Sidewinder to your OEM pin box. For instance, to replace the popular Lippert 1621 pin box you can use 20K Sidewinder # RP34FR. We also have a 16K air cushioned version, part # RP61422. Use of a Sidewinder pin box means you do NOT have the get out of the truck to release the slide each and every time you need to make a sharp turn.

expert reply by: Adam R

0