5th Airborne Sidewinder Pin Box: Overcoming Common Challenges

As an engineer and a seasoned RV owner, I've had my fair share of struggles with hooking up my fifth wheel trailer to its hitch. One of the most frustrating issues I face is difficulty releasing the pin box from the truck's hitch due to excessive air pressure in the airbag or tightness of the lock plate to the slot.

To alleviate this problem, I follow a few simple steps. First, I lubricate the nylatron bearing and thrust washer with grease as instructed in the user manual. Next, I torque the four pivot plate bolts to 45 lb.ft. to ensure proper alignment. Sometimes, I also remove excess weight from the hitch by raising the trailer more.

When releasing the pin box becomes challenging, I lock the trailer brakes, reverse the truck to push the pin forward in the hitch, and carefully realign the pivot part of the Sidewinder with the slot. This process may take some trial and error, but patience is key.

Another helpful technique is to use a sliding rear window or place colored tape vertically in its center to serve as a reference point for alignment. By watching the pin box attachment point through my inside mirror, I can ensure that it's centered on the middle of the window, making backing up easier.

The Sidewinder pin box is designed to move the pivot point back to the pin box attach point, which doesn't change the load point on the TV or affect the overall length. However, Reese Mfg. could improve its marketing and documentation by providing more detailed explanations of how the unit works.

As a seasoned user, I've learned that proper installation, regular maintenance, and understanding how the Sidewinder functions are essential for smooth operation. With practice and patience, overcoming common challenges like pin box release becomes second nature.

If you're considering installing a Sidewinder pin box on your fifth wheel trailer, be sure to download the installation instructions beforehand to get a better grasp of its setup and functionality. Additionally, be aware that not all fifth wheel hitches are compatible with this unit, so double-check compatibility before making a purchase.

5th airborne sidewinder pin box