With The Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Hitch And Airborne Pin Box Allow For 90 Degree Turns

Question:

Per below, does this provide the Anderson Ultimate 5th wheel hitch a 90 degree turning ability with this set up? ***************************************** Can Andersen Ultimate Fifth Wheel Connection be Used with 5th Airborne Cushioned Pin Box Question: Is the Andersen Ultimate 5th wheel hitch compatible with Reese 5th Airborne pin and pin box? If not, what modifications/changes would I have to make to use this hitch? Thanks! Expert Reply: You can use the Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System, part # AM3200 with your 5th Airborne pin box on your fifth wheel trailer. Cushioned pin boxes are not a problem at all with the Andersen Ultimate.

asked by: Robert R

Expert Reply:

The 5th Airborne pin box being referenced in this question is not a Sidewinder/rotating pin box. It's actually just a standard air cushioned pin box like the # RP78FR. The degree of turnability with this setup will depend on the following factors:

1. The distance from the center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to the truck cab.

2. The length of king pin to the nose of the fifth wheel.

3. The width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half).

For example: If the distance from the center of the hitch to the cab is 36" and the pin box to trailer nose is 12" then, 36" +12" = 48". If your fifth wheel trailer is 102" wide, take half (51"), then plug in: 48" - 51" = -3" of clearance.

Note: At least 4 inches of clearance is recommended to safely execute a 90 degree turn.

If you do not have a long bed then you will need to either use a sliding fifth wheel hitch or a fixed hitch with a rotating pin box. The Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System with Adapter # AM3200 is not compatible with rotating pin boxes. If you tell me the year/make/model of your truck and the GVWR of your 5th wheel I can find the correct hitch and pin box to get you 90 degree turning clearance.