Troubleshooting Hard Connect of Sidewinder on 2013 Keystone Cougar 5th Wheel Trailer
Question:
I have a sidewinder on my 2013 keystone cougar x-lite 29rbs. I have trouble hooking up the trailer. It seems that the truck/hitch has to be lined up exactly with the king pin in order for the jaws to close, and even if there are the jaws sometimes do not close. Is the wedge not positioned properly, should I be lubricating the king pin and wedge??. Also the last time I pulled the trailer I noticed that when cornering the trailer was pivoting on the 5th wheel hitch kingpin as well as the sidewinder pivot point. I am frustrated with this setup and am thinking about going back to the original pin box. The truck bed is 6 1/2 feet long. I know you guys do not recommend. Is the anyway to measure how much clearance I would have with or need with the original pin box.
asked by: Mike
Expert Reply:
There are several reasons why the trailer might be hard to connect to the 5th wheel hitch. First, make sure you are hooking up on level ground. This can be a big factor in ease of hook up.
Next, if your sidewinder is pivoting at the 5th wheel hitch, you may be having an issue with the wedge. If you have a universal wedge you will need to get a hitch specific wedge.
Next, check the lubrication of the 5th-wheel hitch. Make sure all of the recommended locations are lubed correctly and that the skid plate is lubed. If you are using a lube plate, item # RP83001, on the hitch the skid plate will not need to be lubed. The lube plate should be no more than 5/16 inch thick. You can also lube the recessed 2 inch part of the king pin to aid in hooking the trailer, this will also extend the life of the jaw in the 5th-wheel head.
Another thing that may help is cleaning and lubing the head. Take the head off and turn it over. Use some spray lubricant like WD40 and spray the moving parts especially the linkage for the handle and then re-lube with lithium grease, item # L11354.
Be sure that the king pin jaw is fully released from the head when attempting to hook up and that the trailer wheels are securely chocked so the trailer is not trying to move with the truck when hooking up.
If none of the above suggestions work you should have the trailer and 5th wheel hitch inspected, at a local RV dealer that carries these products, to be sure the Sidewinder and 5th Wheel hitch are installed properly and in safe working order. The tilt of the Sidewinder may indicate that it has moved on the pin box and needs to be adjusted and tightened.
It is possible that some 5th wheel trailers may be able to be towed on 6-1/2 foot bed trucks without a sidewinder or slider, but we would never recommended doing so. Trailer widths, truck cab widths, and turn conditions all play a part in calculating clearance. Since these factors vary so much, there is no set rule of thumb on trailer size. It may be possible to tow a trailer down the highway with out any problems, but as soon as you have to maneuver in a small gas station or camp site, without a slider or a Sidewinder a truck with less than an 8 foot bed is going to be in trouble.
It may also be possible, if you always keep an eye on your trailer as you turn, but as soon as you forget, you could end up turning too tight and the trailer could crush the cab of the truck.
Normally we recommend that truck beds ranging from 6 to 7 feet use a Slider to make sure there is adequate clearance in tight turning situations. For truck beds under 6 feet we recommend a Sidewinder to provide enough clearance.
Take a look at the FAQ article I have included which contains a clearance formula for sidewinders.
Products Referenced in This Question
LubriMatic White Lithium Grease - 14 oz. Cartridge
- Lubricants Sealants Adhesives
- Grease
- Multi-Purpose Grease
- Petroleum-Based
- White Lithium Grease
- Lithium 12-Hydroxystearate
- 14 oz
- LubriMatic
more information >
Lube Plate for Elite Series and Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 12" Diameter
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Plates
- Lube Plate
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel King Pin
- Upgraded Pin Box
- Provides Turning Clearance
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Rotating Turret
- Fabex 663
- Fabex 665
- Lippert 0719
- Lippert 1621
- Lippert 1621HD
- M and M 663
- M and M 665
- Lippert Rhino
- Reese
more information >
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Instructions
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on Fifth Wheel King Pin
