How to Determine if Sidewinder Will Allow 90 Degree Turn with 2019 Chevy Silverado 3500  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The formula to determine if you have enough clearance to make a 90 degree turn with your fifth wheel and 2019 Chevy Silverado 3500HD with an 8 foot bed can be a bit confusing, so I'll give you the formula and then an example afterwards to help explain. Just keep in mind that your clearance should equal at least 4 to safely make a 90 degree turn:

(A + B) - C = Clearance

A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Length of Sidewinder arm (22")
C = Width of trailer divided by 2

As an example, we'll use the best fifth wheel hitch for your '19 Silverado 3500 with the OEM puck system, the B&W Companion # BWRVK3700.

I added a cutout of the instruction manual which shows the hitch can be adjusted to sit 2 inches in front of the axle (farthest from the cab). What you would need to do is measure from 2 inches in front of your axle all the way to the cab of your '19 Silverado 3500HD. This number would be "A" in the formula. I don't have that exact measurement so just as an example let's say you measured and it was 40 inches.

The Sidewinder portion is easy because they will each be 22 inches, so "B" in the formula is always going to be 22.

Your said your Genesis Supreme 33CK has a width of 103 inches, and half of that is 51-1/2, so "C" will be 51-1/2.

For our example this is the formula:

(40 + 22) - 51-1/2 = 10-1/2

So your clearance would be 10-1/2 inches which would be more than enough to safely use a Sidewinder and make a 90 degree turn. Again, this is just an example so you will need to make your own measurement from hitch jaw to cab but I am very confident that you can use a Sidewinder and make a 90 degree turn due to the fact your 2019 Silverado 3500 has an 8 foot bed,

There is a Sidewinder option replacement for your Lippert 1716 pin box:

- 5th Airborne Premium 5th Wheel Air Ride King Pin w/ Sidewinder and Turret - 16,000 lbs # RP61412.

This will work to replace your Lippert 1716 pin box, with the major difference being the highly upgraded ride the 5th Airborne gives you with its air spring so your towing experience will be comfortable and smooth.

To use any of these options with a trailer hitch, such as the B&W Companion # BWRVK3700 I strongly recommend, you will need a custom wedge, and for the Companion that is the 5th Airborne Custom Wedge for B&W Fifth Wheels # SWW-06.

I have added links to video reviews of these parts for you to check out as well as a link to a help article on Sidewinders for you to take a look at.

expert reply by: Kyle S

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