Can Fifth Wheel Slider Bases be Activated When Connected to Trailer

Question:

My Sidewinder move me back enough to make some tight turns but I can still hit my cab if I cut it too tight. 9 more in back would make it perfect for me to back into a tight spot. Can I use this hitch with my Sidewinder?

asked by: Philip L

Expert Reply:

If you were using the slider assembly part # RP30048 as the base for your fifth wheel hitch setup you could operate the slider with the full weight of the trailer on it. There would be no need to disconnect the trailer every time you needed to use it. Most people release the slider mechanism, pull the manual override of their controller to hold the trailer in place, and then move the truck either forward or back to either direction as needed.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Philip L.

9/27/2019

Jameson C.

9/27/2019

If you use slider hitch (slide it back) with a Sidewinder pin box you'll find that the pin box will want to hit the tailgate. How short of a truck bed do you have that needs 30 inches of additional offset clearance to make a tight turn? Normally 22-1/2 inches like what the Sidewinder provides is more than enough for truck beds that are super short.