Comparing Torque Specs for Mounting Brackets and Castle Nut on Reese Sidewinder Pin Box

Question:

REF: QandA regarding should the pivot arm on Sidewinder be moveable by hand?- I dont know what the castle nut is torqued to from the factory, but I can easily move the Sidewinder arm by hand !! Should I then remove the cotter pin and check the torque? Instruction manual states it should only be to 150 ft.lbs max while the mounting bolts for pinbox are 210 lbs...??

asked by: Mike R

Helpful Expert Reply:

Yes, you can move the Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret # RP34FR by hand but the difficulty will vary depending on the torque setting you use. The instructions say that the castle nut should be at 80 ft-lbs but that can be increased by 10 ft-lbs if you need it to be a bit more stiff - and that you shouldn't exceed 150 ft-lbs.

The mounting bolts have a higher torque rating because the brackets need to be completely secured and unmoving while the turret is designed to pivot so you don't want it super tight. If you ever need to lock out the pivoting turret feature there are 2 bolt locations at the back of the pin box for that. You won't be tightening down that castle nut super tight to lock out the pin box.

Hope this helps you out!

expert reply by: Jon G