5th Wheel Trailer with Sidewinder Pin Box Chucking in Curt E16 Hitch

Question:

I have a Curt E16 hitch and the correct Sidewinder pin box along with the special wedge for this hitch, and there is perhaps a 1/2 inch play laterally in the king pin. It is very noticeable at slow left and right turns and when backing up. Is this normal?

asked by: Bill R

Expert Reply:

Yes, what you are describing is normal for 5th wheel hitches that use a slide bar style jaw. The slide bar allows for a lot of play between the pin box king pin and the hitch jaws.

But to be sure, make sure the jaw is fully closing and locking into place. Check the king pin on the Sidewinder for excessive wear as well. There shouldn't be hardly any wear on the Sidewinder king pin though because it is locked out at the hitch by the wedge. It can still move back and forth though.

Normally this chucking as its called is most noticeable when taking off from a stop or when coming to a stop. Side to side movement should not be happening and if it is then make sure you have the wedge, # RP64FR, in the correct orientation and torqued down to the specifications in the instructions. If the wedge got moved out of position it may not be locking out the pivot point fully at the hitch.

If you continue to have problems then you might want to try out the universal wedge that came with the Sidewinder to see if it does a better job.

expert reply by: Michael H