Selecting Between Reese Airborne & Sidewinder Pin Box For a Camper With Rhino Pin Box

Updated 04/08/2024 | Published 01/03/2024

Question:

Greg, I tried calling you yesterday and ended up talking to a lady who wasnt as knowledgeable as you are. I am a little confused guess Im a little slow on the last answer, that Reese makes the airborne and sidewinder for the rhino, but not in the combination like my current sidewinder/airborne for my old 5th wheel. If I wanted to use the airborne on my Vengeance what do you use it with if you cant use with the sidewinder?,, The Existing Rhino thats on the camper-? When I look at the sidewinder and airborne application information I see the different Lippert pin box numbers but they dont match numbers on my Lippert pin box. Do you just go by the Lippert/rhino pinbox or should there be a matching number. Shouldnt any pinbox that is correct width and bolt pattern be able to replace the Rhino as long as everything matches and it is correct weight load. One of the reasons I reluctant to go to an Demco auto slide, is the weight and the inability for me to-remove it from my truck bed while camping because it is so heavy My Reese hitch that I currently have for my old 5th wheel I lifted/removed with no problem out of my truck bed last summer. I would need a hoist to get the Demco auto slide out of my truck bed. Plus from 5th wheel forums sounds like sidewinder is better for backing in tight spots vs autoslides. Your Thoughts Thanks for your help

asked by: Chuck M

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are going to be best going with the Reese Sidewinder # RP34FR since you are going to want to remove your 5th wheel hitch from your truck bed at the campsite. The Sidewinder will ensure you do not have clearance issues with your short bed and a fixed 5th wheel hitch.

With the Rhino Pin box it uses a different bolt pattern than other pin boxes and you should never drill into the mounting flanges or the pin box to make them work.

expert reply by: Bud M

Chuck M.

3/8/2024

Is Etrailer Reese sidewinder #RP34FR the same as Reese's part #68220 or SW19K

Bud M.

3/11/2024

@ChuckM The Reese Sidewinder # RP34FR is the Reese part number 69220 which replaced the previous generation 68220.

Chuckm

3/17/2024

@BudM So a Reese 68220 would fit a Rhino pin box, just as the #RP34FR does, correct? Are there different air bag suspension options for my 2018-F250 and if there are how do I determine which size or weight limit I should get or if I need them. My F-250 payload is 3000lbs which is the same as my pin weight on my new 5th wheel toy hauler. I haven't pulled it yet but thinking I may need air bags. How to I determine if I will need them. Thanks Chuck

Bud M.

3/19/2024

@Chuckm The Reese 68220 will not bolt in place of the Rhino pin box. Reese updated to the 69220 or our part # RP34FR when they added its ability to fit the Rhino pin box. This is only available in the one size for the Rhino pin box.