Cushioned Sidewinder and Fifth Wheel Hitch for Trailer with Lippert 1116 Pin Box
Question:
I have an 1116 Rotoflex pinbox. My fifth wheels max weight is 16k. I was debating between the sidewinder airborne and the sidewinder but it seems the airbornes max weight is 16k. I have always defaulted to bigger than what I need. Is the airborne worth it enough to be that close to my max weight? Is the ride quality that much better? Also the actual hitch comes in 20k and 27k but it seems there is no difference in weight. Why wouldnt I then get the 27k? I have a the ford OEM fifth wheel prep for a 2022 F350 short bed.
asked by: Andrew B
Expert Reply:
As long as you stay under the GVWR of your fifth wheel of 16k the 5th Airborne Sidewinder part # RP61412 would be a really great option. Since you shouldn't be overloading your trailer anyway having a pin box with exact same weight rating wouldn't be an issue at all. The ride quality is noticeably better so it is worth the upgrade for sure.
There really isn't a downside to going with a higher rated Reese M5 fifth wheel hitch part # RP30922 which is rated for 27,000 lbs over the 20k version part # RP30921. Having extra capacity does not do any harm but it does cost more. So if you were okay with spending more money on the higher rated hitch you could, but you should note there is also no real upside to going with a hitch rated for more than needed so it comes down to what makes the most sense for you. I would go with the 20k hitch unless I was planning on going to a heavier trailer at some point.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ford Towing Prep Package - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ford
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 14 - 18 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for Ford Towing Prep Package- Single Jaw - 27,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ford
- 27000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- Reese
more information >