Will a Sidewinder Allow a 2002 Ford F-350 with Sleeper Cab in the Bed to Make Tight Turns
Question:
I have a 2002 F350 Supercab, 8 foot bed. I have a sleeper unit connected to the cab that extends 30 inches. Therefore, my 8 foot bed is actually 66 inches, 5 1/2 feet. Would a sidwinder hitch, giving me an extra 22 inches, give me the room I need to pull a fifth wheel? I know I might not be able to do 90 degree turns, I never really need to anyway. But I would hope I could make 70-75 degree turns?
asked by: Kevin E
Expert Reply:
With this unique situation there is some complex math involved but I think I have it figured out with a little help from a colleague. For argument, lets say you where using 5th wheel installation kit # RP50082-58. On an 8 foot bed, the center of the trailer king pin would be approximately 2-15/16 inches forward of the center of the rear axle.
This would put it 22-5/16 inches from the back of the sleep cab. Adding a Sidewinder would move the pivot point back 22 inches so there would be 44-5/16 inches from the center of the king pin to the back of the sleeper cab. With this set up, if the trailer is 96 inches wide the tightest turn you could make would be about 67 degrees. If the trailer is 102 inches wide it would be 60 degrees.
Now, if the trailer king pin sticks out in front of the trailer, you can add the distance from the center of the king pin to the front of the trailer overhang to that 44-5/16 inch measurement mentioned above. That would help some but probably would not get you to the 70 to 75 degree range you were hoping for.
The widest trailer you could tow and still safely make 90 degree turns without trailer to truck contact is 80 inches.
To determine if there is a Sidewinder that will fit the trailer, I would need to know the manufacturer and model number of the trailers pin box. This information is usually located on a sticker or plate on the pin box. I have included a link to our FAQ article on Sidewinders for you.
