Sidewinder Recommendation for Towing a 5th Wheel Camper with a 5 ft 8 inch Bed

Published 10/24/2012

Question:

I have Layton 25ft fifth wheeler trailer. Will a slider rail system work, or do I need to add a Sidewinder extender onto my trailer. I believe my box on my truck is 5ft. 8in. but longer than 6ft. Thank you,

asked by: Ronnie

Expert Reply:

On trucks with beds shorter than 6 feet you will need to use a Sidewinder pin box to tow a 5th wheel trailer. Slider hitches are a great option on beds between 6 and 8 feet, but shorter than that you will definitely need a Sidewinder.

Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will need to check your trailer to see what pin box you have and get the corresponding Sidewinder for it. Check out the chart at the bottom of the FAQ article I attached to see which one would be the correct one for you. Typically the pin box model and number will be on a plaque or sticker on top of the pin box.

Because you will be using a Sidewinder you will not need to have a slider hitch. For a hitch similar to the # RP30051 without a slider you would want a Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30047. This is basically the same hitch that you referenced except without the slider.

expert reply by: Jameson C