Is There a Sidewinder Rated for Use on a 17,000 Lb Trailer

Question:

Hello, I have a unique situation. We are full time Rvers with a big family, we have a F350 with an 8 ft bed and are getting a custom sleeper booted into it for added seating. The company making the sleeper says we must have an 8ft bed and a sidewinder set up or similar to buy us that extra 22inch of clearance. The Toy Hauler we plan to get is 17k GVWR -Do they make a sidewinder that can handle that much weight? It looks like the most popular one is only rated for 16k -Do you see any potential problems with this set up? -Is there alternatives to the sidewinder to consider? -Can you pair a Slider Hitch with a Sidewinder for even more clearance? Thank You

asked by: Sami

Expert Reply:

Yes, we do offer a Sidewinder that can handle a 17,000 GVWR in the Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret part # RP34FR which is rated up to 20,000 lbs. However, you will need to make sure that your pin box is either a Lippert 1621 or one listed on the product page for the Sidewinder in order to make sure it is compatible. The vast majority of newer trailers use a Lippert 1621 so you should be fine. There are currently no other options that will provide more clearance than the Sidewinder on a 17,000 lbs trailer.

In regard to the hitch, it is pointless to go with a sliding hitch when using a sidewinder, because the sliding hitch would need to be locked in place which would defeat it's purpose. The reason it needs to be locked in place is because you can't have two pivot points (slider and rotating pin box).

You'll want to stick with a fixed hitch such as the Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs # RP30928 and compatible wedge, # RP44FR.

expert reply by: Conner L