Reese Sidewinder Compatibility With Andersen AM3200 Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection Hitch System  

Question:

Expert Reply:

You are partially correct. Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection isn't compatible with rotating pin boxes like the Reese Sidewinder/Revolution or Lippert Turning Point unless that Sidewinder is locked out using the two bolts as mentioned in the linked instructions. Once locked out, the Sidewinder will act like a typical pinbox and you won't have the additional clearance it typically provides..

Rotating pin boxes rely on a wedge bolted to the underside of the pin box that prevents it from rotating at the point where the king pin is locked in the hitch jaws. The Andersen Ultimate Connection, part # AM3200 has no provision for installing a wedge, so if you were to use the Sidewinder without locking it out, you'd have pivot at the point where the Sidewinder meets the 5th wheel and at the point where the Sidewinder locks into the Andersen Ultimate Connection which would be very unsafe and could cause the 5th wheel to impact the back of the truck cab which is what you're presumably trying to avoid.

The Reese # RP61422 Sidewinder is a compatible replacement for the following pin boxes:

• Fabex 663 and 665
• Lippert 0719, 1621 and 1621HD
• M&M 663 and 665

If you have a 5-1/2 foot bed and you need the 22 inches additional clearance from the Sidewinder, you'd be best off using a standard 5th wheel hitch. You can use a stationary hitch rather than a slider on a 5-1/2 or 6-1/2 foot bed truck. I really like the US made B&W Patriot, part # BWRVK3255 for an 18K capacity or # BWRVK3200 for a 16K capacity. If your truck already has industry standard 5th wheel rails installed in the bed, you'll be good to go. If you need a bracket/rail kit, just respond with the year, make and model of your vehicle and I'd be happy to recommend one for you.

If you don't have a 7-way installed in your truck bed already, you can easily install one using part # C56000.

expert reply by: Mike L

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