Recommended Wedge for Reese Sidewinder Rotating Pin Box

Updated 07/29/2021 | Published 07/28/2021

Question:

I have recently purchased a fifth wheel camper trailer with a Reese Sidewinder model SW16K pin system. I am having trouble connecting and releasing the hitch plate. My hitch is a Reese 16K slider round tubes. I cannot read the model number on this hitch. The sidewinder appears to have the universal shim block. Is there a better option of shim block for this hitch? I have taken my hitch truck portion apart and lubricated it and inspected it for correct operation. It appears there are no issues with this portion. Also, the sidewinder pin system on the trailer does not turn very easily. I believe I should be able to turn this hitch by hand to some degree, is that correct? I have briefly looked at the FAQ but did not find the answers to my questions. Thank you for your time!

asked by: Dennis G

Helpful Expert Reply:

Reese does offer some custom wedges, but without knowing the particular hitch you have I couldn't make a recommendation. The Reese # 201100 universal wedge you'd mentioned will work with all Reese 5th wheel hitches, but it works better with some than others.

It's important that you have the underside and the sides of the wedge greased before hitching up for easier coupling and uncoupling.

The arm of the Sidewinder being stiff and not being able to rotate it by hand doesn't indicate a problem. The rotating arm will be pretty stiff until it's been used for awhile.

If you'd care to reply with some photos of your hitch, I can look them over and try to positively identify it and recommend a wedge that's more hitch specific if you wish.

expert reply by: Mike L