Will Sidewinder Work With 2017 Ford F-150?

Question:

I think it’s falling into place now. Please correct me if I’m wrong. The camper will determine model of King Pin or Sidewinder. Which I think is called Reese Revolution if it is OEM on the camper. So camper determines that model number. Now for truck bed, that is the hitch. And you purchase by pin weight, or may be called hitch weight? And the 16K or 20K is related to camper weight? Am I getting close to understanding??

asked by: Ron B

Helpful Expert Reply:

The compatibility of a Sidewinder is not with the truck, it is with your fifth wheel's pin box and the fifth wheel hitch you have (although with a 5-1/2 foot bed you have to use a Sidewinder to get the proper clearance). A Sidewinder is going to replace your pin box so in order to find the correct one you need to find the manufacturer and pin box model number, which will generally be stamped on the pin box.

For example, Sidewinder # RP34FR will replace Fabex 663 and 665, Lippert 0719, 1621 and 1621HD, as well as M&M 663 and 665 pin boxes. So if your fifth wheel camper had one of those you would need that model of Sidewinder.

I have added a link to a help article on Sidewinders for you to take a look at as well as a link to our selection of Sidewinders. If you need a recommendation on a hitch or have any other questions let me know and I'd be happy to help.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Ron

3/5/2018

Kyle S.

3/5/2018

You are correct, the camper will have a king pin, and the model number will determine which Sidewinder replaces it. You are also correct that the OEM version of the Sidewinder is the Reese Revolution and may come with the camper you purchase. Yes, the truck bed of your 2017 Ford F-150 is where the fifth wheel hitch will be. A fifth wheel hitch will have two ratings: Gross Towing Weight (GTW), which is the highest capacity your loaded trailer can weigh, and Vertical Load Limit, which is the amount of downward force applied to the hitch. It is important to note that you must go by the lowest-rated capacity of your equipment. As an example, if your 2017 F-150 had as a fifth wheel hitch the Reese Select # RP30081 and Sidewinder # RP34FR, your camper's total loaded weight could not be more than 20,000 lbs, which is the capacity of the Sidewinder, even though the Reese Titan 20 is rated for 20,000 lbs. Your vertical load limit would remain at 5,000 lbs however.