Slider 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch or Sidewinder to Make 90 Degree Turns in 2011 Chevy Silverado

Question:

I have a 2011 4x4 2500 chev. silverado with a 6foot 5inch bed. Will I be able to turn the truck 90 degrees to the camper or will I have to have a sidewinder?

asked by: Jerry W

Expert Reply:

It all depends on the width of the trailer. On short bed trucks in general you will need to use either a slider hitch or a Sidewinder (if one is available for the trailer).

If you already have a hitch installed in the truck, measure from the center of the hitch jaws (where the center of the trailer king pin would be when hitched up to the truck) forward to the back of the truck cab. Add in the travel distance of the slider if you are using one.

This measurement will need to be at least 4 inches greater than half the width of the trailer to safely make 90 degree turns. If using a Sidewinder, you cannot slide a slider hitch back because it creates too much stress. So you would need to leave it in the towing position at all times.

To determine if a Sidewinder would be enough you would take the same measurement as above but instead of adding travel distance of a slider you would add 22 inches for the length of the Sidewinder arm.

If you do need a Sidewinder I will need to know the pin box manufacturer and model number of the existing pin box. This information should be on a sticker or plate on the pin box. For example the # RP34FR will fit a 1621 bolt pattern, which is one of the most common bolt patterns.

If you do not already have a 5th wheel hitch then let me know how much the trailer weighs and I can make some recommendations for you.

expert reply by: Michael H