Recommended Wedge Kit For A Reese Sidewinder And Reese M5 Fifth Wheel Hitch

Published 06/09/2022

Question:

All the videos ive seen say that the wedge contacts the kingpin to keep it from turning. Im still confused that this one does not but somehow keeps the kingpin from turning in the 5th wheel. what makes this one special from the others?

asked by: John B

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, the Universal Wedge for 5th Airborne Sidewinders # 201100 will work with the Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret RP34FR, but the correct wedge is more dependent on the type of fifth wheel hitch.

If you have a Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30928 like we talked about in your previous questions then you'll want the Sidewinder Wedge Kit for 20,000-lb Reese M-Series # RP44FR. This custom wedge kit is designed to fit the jaws of your hitch for a more snug fit.

This wedge has two sides, one with one weld and the other with two welds. The side with one weld will need to be pointing towards the king pin of the Sidewinder with the weld on the top and the open space on the bottom.

expert reply by: Kevin C

Wedge Kit Weld Positions
(click to enlarge)

John

6/9/2022

Kevin C.

6/9/2022

The wedge sits against the funnel of the hitch preventing the king pin from pivoting inside the hitch, if it just contacted the king pin it wouldn't hold it in place. That's why it's better to use a custom wedge kit instead the universal kits because they will provide a much tighter fit against the funnel of the hitch.