Community Forums

TEX-CTD · 05-26-2009, 10:10 PM

pull rite super glide is the only one i know of. are there others?

Roam America · 05-27-2009, 11:26 AM

Pull Rite is the only auto sliding hitch that I Know of. That doesn't mean there aren't more out there.

An alternative to a slider hitch is a Reese Sidewinder kingpin box (not to be confused with the 5th Airborne Sidewinder product). It replaces the standard kingpin box on the 5er. The article claims that the weight remains on the hitch but the pivot point is moved back 22". It works with Reese non-slider hitches (there appears to be some piece that attaches to the hitch itself) and allows a 90 degree turn on a SB pickup. I recently read an article (more of an ad) about it. You can find more here:

RVTradeDigest.com » Article » Sidewinder

TEX-CTD · 05-27-2009, 02:07 PM

didnt know reese made one, i had just seen the 5th airborn. i was thinking about that also but dont know which would be the better way to go

RustyJC · 05-27-2009, 02:15 PM

I notice in your signature that you have a gooseneck hitch. Is that going away if you install a 5th wheel hitch or ???

Rusty

hvictry · 05-27-2009, 09:25 PM

Installed a 5th airborne sidewinder on a Newmar Cypress. Eliminates need for slider. Works great and cost was about $1,000 less than a auto slider.

Roam America · 05-28-2009, 01:02 PM

hvictry

First, welcome to iRV2.com. We hope you continue to visit with us and share your experiences.

One important thing I read about the Reese Sidewinder is that is appears to only work with thier non-slider hitches. There is some sort of wedge that goes in/on the hitch and this wedge has different part numbers based on the model Reese hitch you have.

hvictry · 05-29-2009, 07:21 AM

K-Star, Thanks for the welcome.

I have a Reese 16K manual slider and the airborne/sidewinder combination works well. I keep the hitch in tow position. I discussed this with the mfg., and they had no objections.

According to the installation instructions, the sidewinder works with Reese 15K through 20K hitches, Reese Signature Series, Owens, Draw-Tite, Husky and similiar units. It appears that many of these are brand names mfg. by Cequent towing products, the parent company for airborne, sidewinder.

B&W and similiar units are also listed as acceptable; however, in my research, I found information that B&W hitches will not work with the sidewinder. In addition, the Curt Q5 is not acceptable.
Holland hitches and similiar units are acceptable.

Bottom line, if someone is interested in this pin box arrangement, contact cequent towing products for hitch compatibility advice.

Another consideration is the pin box being replaced. Likewise, discuss this with Cequent.

From all appearances this is a very well made product and it performs as advertized. The cypress nose extends about 18" forward of the pin. This makes towing with a short bed truck very risky even with the hitch in the back position. The sidewinder completely resolves this issue. Hope all this helps.

sinterior · 05-31-2009, 01:24 PM

Hi, Hi Jacker also make an auto slide hitch.

Peter

TEX-CTD · 06-28-2009, 10:34 AM

the answer i got from 5th airborn about using the sidewinder with the B&W companion is that you can only if you put 2 bolts threw the base of the companion at the rear.(1 on each side closest to the tailgate)

reason being the capture plate that goes on the pinbox kingpin, which is what keeps the trailer from spinning at the hitch and makes it spin at the sidewinder pivot. this puts to mush twisting stress on the shaft that connects to the B&W gooseneck where the ball normally goes. if u brace the companion better your fine.

im trying to decide if i want to get the B&W set up w/ sidewinder air combo or a pulrite super glide.