Can a Sidewinder Replacement Pin Box Be Used with a Curt X5 5th Wheel To Gooseneck Adapter

Updated 07/28/2014 | Published 07/25/2014

Question:

I have a curt double lock gooseneck hitch and a curt x5 adapter plate with a husky 5th wheel. Can I use the sidewinder? If not why?

asked by: Derrick M

Expert Reply:

The Sidewinder pin boxes are not permitted for use with any sort of 5th wheel to gooseneck adapter. The issue is that the X5 adapter is really only secured in the center gooseneck hole. Since the Sidewinder locks out pivot at the 5th wheel hitch and moves the pivot point back, it would be creating overwhelming torque and stress on the adapter and gooseneck installation kit below the truck bed. This could damage it badly and you would not be able to use the gooseneck hitch any more. It also creates an unsafe towing condition.

You could use a slider hitch, if you are not doing so already, if extra clearance is needed. However, if the truck bed is shorter than 6 feet you would have to remove the tailgate otherwise you would not be able to slide the hitch back with the trailer connected without interference.

If you can tell me the year, make, and model of the truck and the bed length, along with the width of the front of the trailer I could determine the best option for you.

expert reply by: Michael H