Can I Use Sidewinder With B & W Hitch For Ford Prep Package To Tow Fifth Wheel With Pinbox 1621HD

Question:

Hi - just got a 2019 superduty with the 6’9” box. My Heartland Bighorn has the extended 1621hd pinbox. Trying to avoid a slider hitch. Was considering an Anderson Ultimate but would need the coupler reversed to avoid hitting my boxrails. Then my net offset is only 1”. If I went another route and bought a BandW RVK3300 I could swap my pin box to a Sidewinder to gain some offset and solve the boxrail issue. Which model Sidewinder and any problems I’m missing? Thanks.

asked by: Dave C

Expert Reply:

You can get the B & W Companion part # BWRVK3300 and the Reese Sidewinder part # RP34FR to help with clearance when towing the Bighorn with your 2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty With OEM Prep Package. The Sidewinder does not work with the B & W Companions that fit into the Gooseneck hole but since the BWRVK3300 uses the 4 attachments points instead of the single center attachment point it is compatible with the Sidewinder.

The Sidewinder part # RP61420 replaces the Lippert 1621HD pin box on your Bighorn. The Sidewinder is designed to move the pivot point of your towing setup back 22 inches behind the kingpin so you have better clearance between the cab the pin box on the trailer when turning. This is a great option to avoid the use of a slider hitch. To find out how much clearance the Sidewinder provides you I have attached a formula below. Since you have not bought the fifth wheel hitch yet I changed the formula a bit for you.

(A + B) - C = Clearance

A = Distance from center of middle puck hole to cab

B = Length of Sidewinder arm in inches (22")

C = Width of trailer in inches divided by 2

This formula gives you an idea on if the Sidewinder allows you to make a 90 degree turn with your short bed while towing The Bighorn.