Does Sidewinder Allow 90 Degree Turn With 2000 Ford F-250 Super Duty and 2007 Jayco Recon ZX?

Question:

I have a short bed 2000 F-250 super duty that has a flatbed instead of the oem bed. From the back of the headache rack to the center of my axle is 32. I have a draw-tite slider now and even slide back to maneuver position I only have 44. Will the sidewinder allow me to make a 90° turn?

asked by: Tommy H

Expert Reply:

In order to determine if a Sidewinder will allow you to perform a 90 degree turn, you first need to measure the distance from the center of your fifth wheel hitch jaw to your 2000 F-250's cab.You will also need to know the width of your 2007 Jayco Recon, which from my research looks to be 102 inches, but you should double check.

When you have those numbers, follow this formula:

(A + B) - C = Clearance

A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Length of Sidewinder arm (16K = 22", 19K = 22")
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)

For example, if the distance from the center of your hitch jaw to your cab is 34 inches, you'd add 34 + 22 and get 56. If your trailer is 102 inches wide, you'd want to dived that in half and get 51. Then simply subtract 56 - 51 and get 5. If the number you get is 4 or higher, you would be able to safely make a 90 degree turn. I have added a link to a help article on Sidewinders for you to take a look at which also details this process.

To choose the correct Sidewinder, you need to know your current pinbox number, which should be on a sticker on stamped onto your current pinbox. I've added a link to our page with each of our Sidewinders for you to take a look at as well.

Also keep in mind that it is not recommended to use a sliding fifth wheel hitch with a Sidewinder. For a new hitch, you would want to use the Reese Quick-Install Custom Base Rails # RP56005-53 and a fixed hitch such as the Curt Q20 # C16130. I've also added a link to our page with fifth wheel hitches for you.