Why Can't a Slider 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch be Used on a 2012 Nissan Titan with 5-1/2 Foot Bed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

You could use a slider on a bed shorter than 6 feet but you would have to take the tailgate off the truck. Otherwise the slider and tailgate will interfere with each other. Also, a slider provides all of 12 inches at most additional clearance. Even with an extended pin box and the 12 inches it is not enough clearance in most cases to make 90 degree turns without a collision between the truck cab and trailer unless the trailer is very narrow.

But if your pin box says Revolution on it then that is the same thing as a Sidewinder, discussed below, and offers 22 inches of clearance so a Slider hitch would not be needed (and you cannot slide a slider hitch back while using a Sidewinder or Revolution pin box).

To determine if there would be clearance you will first measure from the center of the king pin on the trailer straight back to the front of the trailer overhang. Then measure from the center of the rear axle (in the truck bed) to the back of the cab. And finally add to that 12 inches for the most travel from a slider. If, after you add all 3 numbers together, the result ends up being at least 4 inches more than half the width of the trailer it will work and you will have clearance.

So to break it down:
Measure from center of king pin on trailer to front of trailer overhang
Add distance from centerline of axle to back of truck cab
Add 12 inches for travel of slider
Result must be 4 inches MORE than half the width of 5th wheel trailer

If you use the Curt installation kit # C16470-204 you would actually have to subtract 3 inches from the axle to cab measurement because that is where the center of the king pin will be when using the Curt hitch. The Reese kit, # RP30035-405, has the king pin centered over the rear axle so with it you would have more clearance.

With a fixed hitch and a Sidewinder you will take the same measurements except you will add 22 inches instead of 12 inches. Also with a Sidewinder you will not have to get out of the truck to allow the slider to move back. And you will not have to remove the tailgate.

Sidewinders only fit certain pin boxes. I have included a link to our FAQ on Sidewinders for you. Once you know the pin box make and model (on a sticker or plate on the pin box) we can determine is there is a Sidewinder that will fit.

expert reply by: Michael H

0