Adjusting A 5th Airborne Sidewinder Pin Box Air Spring For Heavier Loads

Updated 05/13/2024 | Published 10/26/2021

Question:

I have the Reese sidewinder turret and pin box. I’ve read that you can adjust these top two bolts depending on load. Is it a simple loosening if bolts and sliding them up or down. I have a fairly heavy load so where is a good spot to adjust these to? Towards camper is for heavier loads?

asked by: Scott C

Expert Reply:

Yes, adjusting the air spring bolts towards the camper will help with heavier loads. You'll also need to loosen the inner bolts we talked about before (pictured below) when adjusting the top ones. The top and lower bolts will need to be torqued to the same specification which can be found on page 14 of the manual along with the diagram that I've attached below.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Sidewinder Air Spring Position
(click to enlarge)

RP61412 Inner Air Spring Bolts
(click to enlarge)

Sidewinder Pin Box
(click to enlarge)

Mike S.

3/9/2024

This information was awesome! The dealer installed this pinbox and has the bolts all the way forward. I am feeling like the airbag isn't working and the trailer is "slamming" down on the plate when we go over any kind of buckle in a road. I have a 2023 Grand Design Reflection. I'm wondering if I move the bolts towards the trailer if this will help with that slamming and will allow the airbag to do it's job?

Kevin C.

3/12/2024

@MikeS Moving the bolts towards the trailer would increase the work load on the air spring, so that along with an adjustment to the psi level would allow you to fine tune your ride quality and stop the slamming you've been experiencing. I wouldn't push them all the way over but you could try moving the bolts 1/4 of the way up and test drive to see if helps the ride quality. If you feel you need to raise the bolts again then just keep going in 1/4 increments. For the psi I like to start low and then raise the pressure in 5 psi increments.

Mike S.

3/12/2024

@KevinC thanks so much! I'll give this a try! Really appreciate all your support (on this question and the other one that I posted, about the Gen-Y).

Austin

5/9/2024

Kevin, ref the Sidewinder Airborne airbag adjustment, what inner bolts? My king pin is 5 years old, and I don’t see a way to get inside. Loosening the top bolts doesn’t seem to work- despite being unhooked and with the bag deflated.

Kevin C.

5/13/2024

@Austin You should be able to see the bolts from the rear side of the Sidewinder. If not, the turret is likely just blocking your view. I'll send you a separate email so you can send me some pictures of your Sidewinder and we can figure out the easiest way to access the bolts.