Calculating Clearance For Fifth Wheel Trailer With Sidewinder Pin Box  

Question:

Expert Reply:

We do not manufacture pin boxes. The pin boxes we offer are designed to fit specific mounting patterns on a trailer based on the pin box it is currently using.

We do offer Sidewinder pin boxes like part # RP61412 that will replace your Fabex 520. This pin box moves the pivot point on the trailer an extra 22 inches toward the rear of the trailer so you can make turns easier. This Sidewinder has a 16,000-lb weight capacity.

You can use the following formula to determine if you will have enough clearance with a Sidewinder on your trailer.

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of 5th-wheel hitch jaw to truck cab in inches
B = Length of Sidewinder arm in inches (22")
C = Width of trailer in inches divided by 2

For example:

If you are using the 16,000-lb Sidewinder, then B = 22"
If the distance from the center of your hitch to your truck's cab is 36", then A = 36"
And if your fifth-wheel trailer is 102" wide, then C = 51"
102/2 = 51

Therefore,
(36 + 22) - 51 = 7" of clearance

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

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