What type pin box?

[wiredgeorge]

Never saw this type pin box before. Anybody have any idea what type? Is it supposed to pivot?

[Northofu1]

It's a Reese sidewinder for short beds

[wiredgeorge]

I guess I don't get the pivoting? Could this pin box be used with a Andersen Ultimate? Can it be used in a long bed truck?

[Northofu1]

According to etrailer you may not have 2 pivot points

https://www.etrailer.com/question-206619.html

[Tom N OH]

You have to use a “capture plate” with your 5th wheel to prevent the pivot at the king pin/5th wheel joint so that the pin box itself is forced to pivot. Cannot be used with the Andersen. Social distancing for your truck’s rear window.

[tech740]

There is a wedge that locks it in position in the hitch. Then the pivot is moved 22” back. You can use it in any bed length. Required on 5.5’ 1/2 tons. My dad wants in for his F250 so he can run an above the rails tool box.

[chuckster57]

Sidewinder can replace a standard pin box. Some newer units are coming with “turning point” pin boxes. Same idea, 2 bolts lock the pin box for standard towing or you remove the bolts, install the “wedge” and it pivots at the rear of the box. Bolt pattern to the frame is different so I don’t think you can change it out.

[wiredgeorge]

I was looking at a potential purchase of a 30' 5th wheel and not sure I want to mess with changing the pin box to accommodate an Andersen Ultimate and my 8' long bed. Thanks! The one I was looking at was a KZ Durango... wife probably wouldn't be keen for me to blow more money anyway as there isn't anything wrong with our camper but I get these uncontrollable urges.... I probably need help!

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

I was looking at a potential purchase of a 30' 5th wheel and not sure I want to mess with changing the pin box to accommodate an Andersen Ultimate and my 8' long bed. Thanks! The one I was looking at was a KZ Durango... wife probably wouldn't be keen for me to blow more money anyway as there isn't anything wrong with our camper but I get these uncontrollable urges.... I probably need help!

Come and work on them, that will kill ANY urges to buy another one

[LewisB]

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

Never saw this type pin box before. Anybody have any idea what type? Is it supposed to pivot?

George; that is a new "left wing" pin box and they are against the law in Texas!

[wiredgeorge]

A few days ago when I was over in Lakehills buying salt for the water softener saw a 5th wheel for sale with a very similar pin box called a TURNING POINT Travelair and I think it is made my Lippert. It also articulates or swings, better said.

[jim1]

So far we've had them on our last 2 fifth wheels and they are pretty awesome. We haven't had any turning or backing up issues using them with our short box ram. I've done u-turns in intersections and have had no close to the cab kisses or issues with the Reese Sidewinder or the Reese Revolution. I like them better than a slider. But each to his own. I'm sure some people won't understand or get the idea, but it works great.

[wiredgeorge]

Jim1, I use an Andersen Ultimate on a ball. Can't use one of those hitches nor have I owned a short bed truck in quite awhile. I was interested in a particular 5th wheel with one of those installed and while the camper was wired for a 2nd A/ the expense of that 2nd A/C and getting a different pin box made it not really worthwhile. After seeing two of those type pin boxes, I am sure they have many happy users, like yourself.

[RRTrick]

The fifth wheel I bought 2 years ago has a sidewinder hitch on it because the previous owner had a 5 foot box on a F150. In order to have the king pin over the rear axle the pivot point has to be further back to allow for tight turns without smashing your rear window.

I have a Ram 3500 with a 6 foot 4 inch box and don't need to use it as a sidewinder. By removing the wedge behind the king pin (2 bolts) and placing 2 grade 8 bolts behind the pivot box it becomes a traditional 5th wheel hitch.