Selecting Correct Sidewinder Pin Box to Replace Superior Metal Products Pin Box Model 45316VADJ
Question:
I would like to know if there is a sidewinder available for my 5th wheel trailer. It is a 1988 Citation 25 Ft. The nameplate on the existing pin box shows the following Superior Metal Products Ltd. Part # 45316VADJ class 4 - 10, 000 lbs. I have included a picture showing dimensions of the existing pin box. I plan to pull the trailer using a 2007 Chev 1500 Crew Cab and short box and a DSP hitch.
asked by: Allan G
Expert Reply:
Thank you for providing your original pin box manufacturer and part number, Superior Metal Products part # 45316VADJ. I have included a link to our article concerning Sidewinders. This part number is not shown on the reference table among those for which we offer a Sidewinder replacement.
Next I checked with several manufacturers (Lippert, Reese and Ultra-Fab) and none of these has any cross-reference for your original pin box either. My contact at Reese advised that he thinks this part is made in Canada and that it is built with an overall width that does not match any of their 5th Airborne Sidewinders. Both the mounting hole pattern and overall width of a Sidewinder must exactly match the original pin box in order to mount properly and operate safely.
If you wish you can take careful measurements of your existing pin box using one of the templates provided in the other linked article. You will need to first identify the style of pin box, print out the appropriate template and measure the horizontal bolt hole distance, vertical bolt hole distance, bolt size, bolt head size, front row of bolts to king pin, back row of bolts to king pin and pin box width. Also, record the number of bolts per side that secure the pin box to the trailer frame. Then you can compare your measurements to the pin box measurement chart included in the article to see if you can identify an exact match. If you can find a pin box reference that exactly matches your measurements, then we can use that reference to search for a compatible Sidewinder.
If a Sidewinder is not available for your trailer you may want to consider a sliding 5th wheel hitch. If your truck is a 1500 LD Series with 5-1/2 foot bed you cannot use a slider hitch, but if it is a 1500 LD or HD Series with a 6-1/2 foot bed, and is not a flare-side or step-side bed, you can use a slider hitch. You can use the link provided to indicate your specific vehicle model and style to review compatible sliding hitches.
Select your vehicle model (classic or new body) and then choose the vehicle style of the 1500 series that you have to review sliding hitches compatible with your vehicle.
