Why Can't a Slider 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch be Slid Back When Using a Sidewinder Pin Box

Question:

Why is it that you can not slide a slider hitch back while using a Sidewinder or Revolution pin box? It would seem that sliding the hitch rearward should not be a problem. Perhaps the issue is pushing on the Sidewinder when hooking back up? If this is the issue, could not the hitch be moved back to the forward drive position by hand before reconnecting with the coach?

asked by: Ron

Helpful Expert Reply:

There are a couple of reasons why you cannot slide a slider hitch back when using a Sidewinder. First, if you were to do so, you would have to remove the tailgate on the truck because there is no room otherwise. There may not even be enough room with the just a slider and not using a Sidewinder at all.

The second issue is stress. The hitch is set up to have the center of the trailer king pin, or the Sidewinder king pin, over the center or slightly forward of the rear truck axle. Using a Slider and Sidewinder would push the weight of the trailer too far back behind the axle of the trailer where the capacity of the rear axle is diminished. This can lead to problems on the truck.

Basically, it isn't safe. If the 22 inches of clearance given by a Sidewinder is not enough to make 90 degree turns safely then I hate to say it but the best options are either a narrower trailer or a long bed truck which I know is not always feasible.

expert reply by: Michael H