Will 4" Offset of B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Sidewinder Work with Headache Rack

Question:

Will the additional 4” of rearward adjustment on the BandW Patriot 16k allow me to install a back rack on my 2022 Ford F-150 5.5ft bed? I will be using the hitch in conjunction with a sidewinder pin box. I currently have a 20k ProSeries Standard Fifth Wheel and would be upgrading to the patriot.

asked by: Brett D

Helpful Expert Reply:

The B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # BWRVK3200 has three different offset settings for the pivot arms. These settings will position the kingpin so that it's closest to the cab, 2" further away from the cab, or 4" further away from the cab. In order to choose the correct position, you'll need to measure per the instructions. If you have a headache rack, this will need to be factored into your measurement. I have attached for you below a diagram that we use to determine cab clearance with a rotating pin box. I recommend using this to ensure you have clearance at your desired setting for the fifth wheel hitch. If there are settings multiple that work for you, choose the one that positions the kingpin closes to the cab without contact as that is the one that will provide the best ride.

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Length of Sidewinder arm
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)

expert reply by: Conner L