Can Reese Sidewinder Pin Box be Hooked Up to 5th Wheel Hitch at Angle

Question:

I have a 2007 Chevy Silverado 2500 Diesel HD with a short bed. I am pulling a 2008 weekend warrior toy hauler 35 foot. I have the reese 16000 pund hitch with the manuel lever to put slide the trailer back during manuvering turns. I am thinking about an pull rite hitch that automatically slides the trailer back but i am also thinking anout the reese revolationary hitch. Can the reese swinder be hitched up at any angle? If so i think i would perfer the sidewinder because of that option especially when i need to hitch up at an off angle. Please advise what you think Thank you

asked by: Ernie C

Expert Reply:

A Reese Sidewinder Pin Box is a great option for increasing the clearance between your cab and trailer, however it will not allow you to hook up to the trailer at an angle any more than a standard pin box. When connecting to a Sidewinder, you will still want to be as straight as possible when backing up to it. If you do not back up in a straight line relative to the pivoting arm, the jaws of the hitch will not be able to fully engage.

If you are still interested in adding a the Sidewinder, you will just need to determine the model pin box that is currently on the trailer. This information is typically stamped onto the pin box itself or located on a sticker. I have attached an article on Sidewinders and a link that will take you to our available selection. You can click on your existing pin box model using the facets on the left side of the page. If you do decide to go this route, just note that you can still use our existing sliding hitch, but you will need to make sure the slider stays locked in the towing position at all times.

If you do not want to install a Sidewinder onto the trailer, you can also take a look at the Demco Hijacker Autoslide # DM8550034. This 18,000 pound hitch slides automatically as you drive to give you an additional 14 inches of clearance. You will not need to get in and out of your cab when making sharp turns. It also has a premium, wraparound jaw that will provide an extremely secure connection with the trailer. As long as you have standard, above-bed base rails installed in your truck bed, this will mount to them without issue.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this product that you can also check out.

expert reply by: Chris R