Short beds and Wide body 5th Wheels

[icman95]

I actually really like EricBU12's Sidewinder hitch. I never knew something like that existed, but think it's a great idea. That sure would solve the problem. It does it in a bit of a different way than I had envisioned when I suggested an extended pinbox, but the end result is the same. As a matter of fact, it is probably a better idea than an extended pinbox because it keeps a relatively normal pinbox length while shifting the pivot point rearward to avoid hitting the truck. Seems like it would give a really good ride. If I wasn't already happy with my setup, I might look into this one.



BTW, whatever you choose to do to fix your problem, please let us know. I'm really curious.

 

[KevinSmith]

I looked at that extension, but I don't think it will extend far enough with the megacab. . not sure why. Like I said, even a 14" slider won't work. I think that only extends like 11" if I remember right??

My brothers works Great. It really is the cats pajamas. He runs a megacab and a 32 foot toyhauler all over Nevada. If He is not using the mega cab He is using his xcab shortbed.

 

[mhsmith57]

Good pictures of the 5th Airborne Sidewinder. I have a 2005 s/b quad 2wd 6sp manual, towing a 29ft 5er, 10,450lbs empty and 15K max, on a 18K Reese manual slider. I'm wondering, would this be a good set up with the Airborne? How does it actually work, etc? Thanks,

Mark

 

[EricBu12]

The sidewinder has a wedge that disables the kingpin pivot. Then the large turret does the pivot. So when you hook up to the 5th airborne, it is locked straight to the head unit on the trailer. So yeah that will work with your manual slider hitch. . just you wont need to slide it anymore unless you pull a different trailer now and then. The sidewinder enables you to do a 90 deg turn with room to spare. Worth the money. A hole I made in the front cap cost $500 to fix.

 

[JTruelove]

Eric how did you 01 pull that RV? Was wondering the length. What gears, transmission EB? Thanks

 

[EricBu12]

Just normal 5. 9 . With bacons EB. 5600 6 SPEED. Had the Roadmaster spring helper. Normal 3. 54 gears... my new09 doses little better but still might get some airbag helpers. . trailer is a 36'. Tothauler. . also had a 12 volt actuated horton fan clutch. Worked great.

 

[mrtrombley]

I just saw a Sidewinder pin box/coupler on display at a nearby RV dealer. I was surprised at how simple it was but didn't think it looked that strong to support the pin weight of a bigger 5th wheel. So I talked with one of the service techs who then explained the whole setup to me and showed me the brochure. It seems that it is manufactured in a way that makes it very strong and easily handles the larger 5th's.

The rear pivot Sidewinder coupler (moves pivot point back 22" behind 5th wheel hitch) is in the Camping World catalog at PC price of $899. 99 and $134 to install. The 5th Airborne air suspension unit with Sidewinder is also in there and sells for PC price $1999. 99, same to install.

They aren't cheap, but they will do the trick!

 

[Barry]

An easy way to tell you might or could have a problem with getting into the back of the cab with the nose of a 5'er:



Stand out to the side of the nose of the 5'er. Line yourself up with the kingpin. Is the Kingpin ahead of, even with or under the nose of the trailer?



1) Kingpin is out ahead of the trailer=turning room.



2) Kingpin is even with the nose of the trailer=a little turning room.



3) Kingpin is under the nose of the trailer=little to no turning room.



And most of you have already noticed some of the manufacturers are now doing angles to the corners of the nose to give the SWB folks a little more help.



mi dos centavos... ... ... ... .

 

[RustyJC]

Extended kingpins don't make the trailer any narrower. If you have a 102" wide 5th wheel like I do, it's still 51" (4'3") from the center of the kingpin to the outside edge of the trailer. At 90 degrees, an extended kingpin will move the trailer more to the outside of the truck, but whether or not contact will be made still depends on the configuration of the front cap as well as the distance between the rear of the cab and the kingpin bore of the 5th wheel hitch. Ain't no magic, boys - it's basic geometry.



Rusty

 

[EricBu12]

WOW!. . $2000?. Think it was only $1300 when I got mine. . You might find it a little cheaper on line. . Think I saw last time I checked about $1800 or so.

Check out these shopping results. . you will need to get the right mount for your trailer mounting holes. . (the upper turret part)

Here is the list of the part numbers for the different frame manf. of your trailer.

5th Airborne/Sidewinder Trailer hitch bike rack and trailer hitches - etrailer.com

Reese Products Fifth Airborne Sidewinder Combo ST100-5AS02

Some time you might get into a bind where you would need a a 90* turn, But the scrub you put on your tires on pavement is so severe that you might roll the belts in the tires and weaken the side walls of the tires. I just don't do it.

Well when I put a hole in my trailer, it was no where near 90 deg. so the piece of mind knowing you can turn a fairly tight corner and not worry on the closeness of the cab is worth it. . I still have the unit on my trailer even though I have a longbed now. So really no worries now. . lol

 

[sag2]

Bump to top