Sidewinder Recommendation for Fabex 663 for Turning Clearance

Question:

I have a2003 Keystone Sprinter moel 292 FWRL with a Fabex 663 king pin. Most pins on 5th wheels are within a couple inches from the nose of the trailer, and I can see where your math formula would work to see if you could get a 90 degree turn. My pin sets 15inch behind of the nose of the trailer and I dont know if your formula would work in my situation. Have you come across this scenario before ? Can you help reassure me of a 90 degree turn?

asked by: Carl V

Expert Reply:

The formula you are referring to is this:

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from the fifth wheel jaw center to the truck cab
B = Offset used, in your case none
C = Width of the nose of the trailer divided by 2.

If you don't have enough clearance you would need to replace your Fabex 663 with the Sidewinder part # RP61420 as it will give you 22 more inches of pivot clearance which will work well for giving you enough clearance.

With the Fabex you currently have the king pin to the center of the holes will be 13-1/2 holes. With the Sidewinder it will be 22 inches and the pivot point will be moved back.

expert reply by: Jameson C