Reese Sidewinder Recommended for Towing 5th Wheel with 2014 Toyota Tundra Crew Max  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

Using a sliding hitch that's always slid rearward isn't recommended because it will apply the pin weight of the fifth wheel behind the rear axle of the truck. This will act to lighten the downward force on the front suspension, which will have a negative effect on steering response and braking (your front vehicle brakes provide the majority of the braking action).

The Sidewinder will move the pivot between the 5th wheel and the hitch from the king pin/hitch jaw 22 inches rearward to the point where the pin box attaches to the 5th wheel, while the average slider only provides an extra 10-12 inches of clearance, which almost certainly won't be enough clearance to prevent the trailer loft from colliding with the rear of the cab.

If you want to tow a fifth wheel with your Tundra, I couldn't recommend doing so without using a Sidewinder, which can be used with your sliding hitch, but you'll need to leave your hitch in the fully-forward position. I'll link you to our Sidewinder FAQ article. To choose the correct Sidewinder, you'll need to find the manufacturer and part number of your existing pin box. This information should be listed on a sticker or plate attached to the pin box. The article lists the OEM pin box numbers and the Sidewinder models that are compatible with each OEM pin box.

If you don't have a 7-way installed in your truck bed, you can do so using part # 41157.

expert reply by: Mike L

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