How Often Should 5th Airborne Sidewinder be Serviced

Updated 09/04/2019 | Published 09/03/2019

Question:

How do you know when to service your Sidewinder? Mine is dated 2016 and my trailer is a 2016. I bought them in December of 2018. The trailer appeared to have minimal use as the prior owner stated. I have pulled it approx 3,000 miles, and I am getting ready to take it back to Arizona from Michigan 2,100 miles in a couple of weeks. Should I worry about servicing it already? My only issue is the squealing noises it makes when making slow turns.

asked by: David K

Expert Reply:

Great question!

The Reese Sidewinder like part # RP61422 has fairly easy maintenance in that Reese calls for lubricating parts of the pin box before each trip and then disassembling it at least once per season to clean and inspect everything. You'll probably be hearing some noise when the pin box is rotating but unless it is alarmingly loud I wouldn't worry about it.

If you go to disassemble the pin box and it looks like some things need to be repaired then you can use the Repair Kit # RP86005 that you referenced to help with that.

Attached is a helpful article on the lubrication process, the instructions for the pin box, as well as a cutout from the instructions showing the maintenance side of things.

expert reply by: Jon G