Solution for Towing 97 Inch Wide 5th Wheel with 2010 Toyota Tundra With 5.5 ft Bed
Updated 04/01/2014 | Published 03/30/2014
Question:
Hi there. Please help me as my 2005 vanguard 5th wheel 248Sl is 97 inches wide at trailer loft and currently it will touch the sides of the cab when making sharp turns.I always have to worry ! the loft width across is 97 inches and the length of the end of the trailer loft to the beginning of the actual trailer is 69 inches ie: the part you can stand under I currently have installed a reese 15K pro series slider with a 10 inch extended king pin RV5-13461 and im wondering if i should get the revolution king pin box so i can make 90degree turns without worrying about hitting the cab. Can you please help me with what i should buy or change so i can have worry free 90degree turns. Thanks so much
asked by: Frank A
Expert Reply:
I understand that the current setup is not allowing you enough clearance when making turns while towing your fifth wheel trailer with a 2010 Toyota Tundra 5.5 ft bed. My suggestion would be to replace your current pin box with a Sidewinder. The big difference between a standard pin box and the Sidewinder is the location of the pivot point.
When using a Sidewinder, the location of the trailer, in relation to the truck, is not altered. The Sidewinder still attaches to the hitch at the king pin but is locked in/fixed at that point. The pivot point (point where the trailer rotates during a turn) is moved 22 inches back on the pin box which allows for a better turning radius. If you were looking at the trailer once hitched to the truck, you would see no difference. The only time you would be able to tell the differences in the two pin boxes would be when you were making a turn.
In order to make a recommendation for a Sidewinder that would work for you, I would need to know what type of pin box is currently on the trailer. There are a few different ways to determine which pin box you have. This information can be found on a sticker or plate on the pin box, by contacting the manufacturer with your VIN, or by measuring your box. I am attaching a help article which may assist should you need to measure the pin box.
Manufacturers do not recommend the use of a slider hitch on pickup trucks whose beds are shorter than 6 ft or on trailers with a Sidewinder. Towing with the slider in the rearward positions place the pin weight too far behind the rear axle allowing the truck to act as a teeter-totter. The load on the front axle is lightened which adversely affects your steering response and front braking. If a sliding hitch is used, it must be locked in the tow position at all times when hauling a trailer with a Sidewinder pin box.
I have also included an article which gives you the clearance formula and other helpful information which should be of help to you.
