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6Gun
Explorer
Aug 03, 2013

Reese SideWinder pin box

I'm getting my first 5th Wheel trailer (Dry Weight 7,500 LBS) and wanted to get some feed back on The Reese Side Winder Pin Box. I installed a 16,000 Pull Rite hitch (Non Slider) on my 2012 2500 Ram Maga cab.
I can find a lot of dealer information on the Side Winder but very little feed back from the people that have them.
Do you like the Side Winder, is there any bad points or things I should be aware of?
My new trailer will be here in about two weeks and I look forward to some good times. I have pulled TT with sway bars and that was enough to make your butt pucker on windy days crossing a bridge. I'm really hoping the 5th. wheel will pull a lot better but the suspense is killing me.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

24 Replies

  • 6Gun wrote:
    I'm getting my first 5th Wheel trailer (Dry Weight 7,500 LBS) and wanted to get some feed back on The Reese Side Winder Pin Box. I installed a 16,000 Pull Rite hitch (Non Slider) on my 2012 2500 Ram Maga cab.
    I can find a lot of dealer information on the Side Winder but very little feed back from the people that have them.
    Do you like the Side Winder, is there any bad points or things I should be aware of?
    My new trailer will be here in about two weeks and I look forward to some good times. I have pulled TT with sway bars and that was enough to make your butt pucker on windy days crossing a bridge. I'm really hoping the 5th. wheel will pull a lot better but the suspense is killing me.
    Any input would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks


    I had a standard SideWinder on my previous 35' K-Z FW. It towed and turned as advertised - no issues with potential contact between cab and trailer. It does require that you are more precise when backing in to hitch up since the wedge that restricts movement at the hitch must fit in the head opening (you need to back in at the same angle that you pulled out when un-hitching). A standard kingpin/hitch is definitely easier. I also had issues with the nose of the trailer riding high but I can't say for sure if that was the fault of the SideWinder. I considered the 5AB SideWinder but Reese told me it would cause the nose to go even higher.
  • I have the 5AB Sidewinder also and absolutly love it. It is so smooth. My dad followed us and said it seems like my trailer bounces a lot but I don't know if it really does or if he just isn't use to seeing a lighter combo. He has a 3500 CTD quad cab long bed with '13 34.5' Montana.

    Did I say my truck rides SMOOOOOTH?

    Really happy with the combo.



  • I like our 5AB SW. works well. Only complaint I may have is that the Durango runs nose high.
    For trouble hitching, try releasing the air first. Hitch and then fill again.

    -Bryan
  • I have only pulled twice with mine, 5AB Sidewinder, and really like it.

    However, I have a problem hitching and just discovered why today. I am now going to try something to see if it works. I am not sure if the problem is on the pinbox side or hitch side.