Can a 5th Wheel Trailer with Sidewinder by Towed with No Wedge or Lock Out Bolts Installed
Question:
I have been working with Reese on questions about the Airborne Sidewinder pin box. Hopefully your tech department can help. we had this pinbox installed at the Northwood factory Arctic Fox and it was pulled 1300 miles to us. Its the first one we have seen the pinbox, and it didnt have the wedge installed by the transport driver. There are no lock out bolts on this that we can find. Can it be pulled this way ?
asked by: Dave
Expert Reply:
The wedge is required to prevent a pivot point at the 5th wheel hitch jaws. The function of a Sidewinder is to move that pivot point back further on the truck which requires blocking the pivot point at the hitch. The trailer should not be towed without the wedge in place unless the lock out bolts are installed to lock out the pivot point at the Sidewinder.
The universal wedge that is supposed to come with the 5th Airborne with Sidewinder, # ST400-5AS16K, is actually # 201100. There are additional custom wedges designed for some specific 5th wheel trailer hitches.
The lock out bolts are there to keep the trailer from pivoting at the turret on the Sidewinder. With the wedge not in place and no lock out bolts, the trailer could pivot at both spots which is very dangerous. So you will want a wedge installed and with it installed you can leave off the lock out bolts.
Products Referenced in This Question
Replacement Universal Wedge for 5th Airborne Sidewinders
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel King Pin
- Wedges
- Reese 5th Wheel
- Reese
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