Can Sidewinder Pin Boxes have Slight Side to Side Movement When Towing 5th Wheel Trailer
Question:
When I watch videos of the sidewinder I detect a small side to side movement of the sidewinder pivot point turret. Im wondering if the locking wedge allows for slight movement and if this causes any feedback to the truck steering during travel in crosswinds or bow waves from passing trucks/busses. I think I can see the sidewinder turret move +/- 1/2inch from center. Or 1inch full travel from side to side. We are going to replace our travel trailer with a 5th wheel and we want the absolute best towing experience. We will be purchasing a 5th wheel under 8500# dry weight and towing with our 2015 F150 Supercrew 5.5foot bed. This truck has max tow C53 package and specd for 17000 gcwr. Any thoughts on the side to side movement or am I seeing things that arent happening?
asked by: Jim B
Expert Reply:
There is a lot of weight, a lot of force involved with 5th wheel towing. You may be seeing the metal flexing. Or it could be that the wedge is not all the way into position allowing for slight movement at the wedge which looks like more movement further back. It is not anything out of the ordinary. If you end up getting a Sidewinder I recommend making sure the wedge is in its proper position before torqueing it down to spec.
