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borninblue's avatar
borninblue
Explorer
Jul 08, 2015

Sportsman Pin Box Help

I am about to purchase our first fifth wheel. I am new to towing and it has been frustrating dealing with the purchase. I am very cautious about getting my setup right before going on the road, so here is my problem:

We are looking at a 2014 KZ Sportsman S315BHK (new unit). I have a 2014 Ram 2500 with ramboxes. I need to have the sidewinder installed in order for towing to work due to the ramboxes. The problem is the dealer nor KZ can provide me with the model of the pin box so I cannot say for certain if the sidewinder will work. The dealer says the only thing on the pin box is the following:

S315BH
Plant#40
Norco Part#87004
S/N 0016797

After speaking with KZ they stated the pin box "should" be a Dexter because Norco only makes the frame. My question is then why is this sticker on the pin box with Norco's name on it? I looked at the pin box myself and do not see any other markings,but maybe the king pin is blocking it. There is a Mor/ryde king pin attached to the box currently.

The dealer states they would be able to make the sidewinder work with a "spacer" if it does not line up correctly on the box. I am new to towing so not sure about that. KZ says if it is not a direct fit and if modifications have to be made to make the sidewinder work it will void the warranty.....any help would be appreciated!

7 Replies

  • laknox's avatar
    laknox
    Nomad
    Jul 08, 2015
    borninblue wrote:
    I am about to purchase our first fifth wheel. I am new to towing and it has been frustrating dealing with the purchase. I am very cautious about getting my setup right before going on the road, so here is my problem:

    We are looking at a 2014 KZ Sportsman S315BHK (new unit). I have a 2014 Ram 2500 with ramboxes. I need to have the sidewinder installed in order for towing to work due to the ramboxes. The problem is the dealer nor KZ can provide me with the model of the pin box so I cannot say for certain if the sidewinder will work. The dealer says the only thing on the pin box is the following:

    S315BH
    Plant#40
    Norco Part#87004
    S/N 0016797

    After speaking with KZ they stated the pin box "should" be a Dexter because Norco only makes the frame. My question is then why is this sticker on the pin box with Norco's name on it? I looked at the pin box myself and do not see any other markings,but maybe the king pin is blocking it. There is a Mor/ryde king pin attached to the box currently.

    The dealer states they would be able to make the sidewinder work with a "spacer" if it does not line up correctly on the box. I am new to towing so not sure about that. KZ says if it is not a direct fit and if modifications have to be made to make the sidewinder work it will void the warranty.....any help would be appreciated!


    These numbers are for the frame, itself, not the pin box. MorRyde is the actual pin box, attached to the Norco frame; look for a label on that, instead. If no label, take pics and measurements and contact MorRyde. KZ does not show a MorRyde as an option on '15 models, so it was something factory-added in '13/14 or the dealer added it.

    Lyle
  • borninblue's avatar
    borninblue
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2015
    Just got off the phone with Reese. They actually have a form where you can take pin box measurements and hole dimensions to determine if it will work. Great customer service, seems to be hard to find these days.
  • borninblue's avatar
    borninblue
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2015
    Thanks, I understand they will not make suggestions, however they should know part numbers for the products they are selling. How would the dealer know what the pin box model is if it is not properly marked?
  • spadoctor's avatar
    spadoctor
    Explorer II
    Jul 08, 2015
    the sticker you see is the frame unit production label. Also factories often do not make suggestions as the are not and can not know each and every vehicle setup....that is where the dealer should come into play.
  • borninblue's avatar
    borninblue
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2015
    Thank you for the replies! I will call Reese directly. I just don't understand how KZ cannot confirm the pinbox? As for the sidewinder would it be worth it to pay extra for the airride? They both function the same correct, with the airride providing more shock absorption?
  • newman_fulltime's avatar
    newman_fulltime
    Explorer II
    Jul 08, 2015
    and to throw another kink in it they also like using a demco venture kingpin on those

    Reese 61302 is a universal fit part that would more than likely be the part you need
  • TomHaycraft's avatar
    TomHaycraft
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2015
    Consider giving Reese a call directly. I've got both a 16k Sidewinder (now pinned, no longer need pivot with 8' bed) and their R16 hitch. I've called them a couple times, always very helpful. Quite possible they can confirm the proper pinbox for your trailer.

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