Sidewinder Recommendation and Measurement for a 1998 Terry 5th Wheel and 2008 Ford F150 Short Bed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

The correct 16K Sidewinder Pin Box for your Fabex 520 13.5 wide pin box is part # RP61412.

To use the Sidewinder you will need a standard fifth-wheel hitch. For your 2008 F150 Crewcab with 5-1/2 foot bed, I would recommend either the 20K M5 Fifth Wheel Hitch, # RP30928, or the Reese 5th Wheel Hitch, # RP30047.

The installation kit for your 2008 F150 Crewcab with 5-1/2 foot bed, is the Reese Custom Base Rails and Installation Kit, # RP50081-58. This kit will install at 29-5/16 inches from the rear edge of the be and the king pin will be centered approximately 1-1/2 inches forward of the rear axle.

You will need to measure and use our formula to determine if the Sidewinder will provide clearance. With 94-1/2 inches you should be able to use the sidewinder, but measuring before hand is critical.

Divide 94-1/2 by 2 and you get 47-1/4 inches. Take that number and subtract it from the distance measured in the truck bed plus the 22 inch extension of the Sidewinder. If you come up with at least 51-1/4 inches, 4 inches more than 1/2 the width of the trailer, the sidewinder will work for your application.

Let's say that your truck measures 38 inches from 1-1/2 inches forward of the rear axle to the back of the cab. Your calculation would be 38 + 22 = 60 inches then 60 - 47-1/4 = 12-3/4 inches clearance. This means there would be clearance for any measurement from the center of the king pin on your truck from to 30 to 38 inches, 30 + 22 = 52 inches then 52 - 47-1/4 = 4.75 inches clearance.

With the above formula and the parts recommended, I am confident you will find the Sidewinder and a standard fifth-wheel hitch a better option that the superglide hitch that you mentioned. I have provided instructions and a video installation of the fifth-wheel installation kit that should prove helpful in making your decision.

expert reply by: Robert G

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