Do Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitches Automatically Unlock and Slide for Tight Turns or is it Manual

Updated 01/28/2010 | Published 01/27/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs

(396)

$758.18

Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret - 20,000 lbs

(43)

$1350.54

Question:

Does this hitch automatically adjust and move back along its rail while in a tight turn using a short bed pick-up? I am not looking for a hitch to stop and manually adjust. Please advise.

asked by: Lance C

Expert Reply:

Slider hitches like the Reese # RP30051 have to be un-locked in order to slide rear ward for tight turns. That can either be done by exiting the truck and manually unlocking it or using an electrical un-locking system that is operated by a control panel in cab.

If you do not want to have to un-lock a slider fifth wheel, you have the option of using a Sidewinder, like part # RP34FR. A Sidewinder will put the pivot point at the trailers pin box rather than pivoting on the fifth wheel head.

If you write back with the year, make and model of your truck and the manufacturer and model number of the pin box on your trailer, I can make specific recommendations on what hitches, installation kit and Sidewinder that will work for your set up.

expert reply by: Patrick B