Anderson Hitch w/rotating pin box

[seanp]

Is it advisable to pull a fifth wheel with a rotating pin box (it rotates at the base where it attaches to the trailer)? I don’t see any issues other than trying to back it up would be challenging if even possible. I can post picture if necessary, it’s an “airborne” hitch. Seems to be this one “sidewinder”

https://www.etrailer.com/Fifth-Wheel-King-Pin/Reese/RP61422.html

[Old-Biscuit]

'Sidewinder' pin box just moves the pivot point rearward.....used by many with short truck beds

BUT the king pin still goes into a standard 5th wheel hitch head with a 'Wedge' that locks out the rotation at king pin

Anderson Hitch uses a Ball so one would have to remove the 'wedge' on the Sidewinder pin box and the use the 3/4" Lockout Bolts at rear of pin box the allow the Sidewinder to pivot on King Pin with the Anderson adapter



If using an Anderson Hitch...use a standard pin box

If using the Sidewinder Pin Box....use a standard 5th wheel hitch

[HiWay-OurWay]

My neighbor has the sidewinder pinbox on his 5th wheel, and he likes it. It places the trailer pivot point just about on top of the rear bumper, so it tows/handles like a bumper pull as far as turning/backing angles, and places the trailer farther back from the cab when turned, eliminating the short bed cab clearance issue.
It can be a little less forgiving when hitching, as the truck has to be really straight in line with the trailer to align the wedge plate with the 5th wheel hitch.

[Wileykid]

It would be challenging even going forward, as you have two pivot points. Thinking about it, the trailer in that configuration may swing wider on turns, and even more so, a possibility of the trailer hitting your truck. Backing up would be just ugly.

If you want to use the AUH, you have to lock out the Sidewinder pivot with the two bolts, which makes it a regular pinbox. If you want to use the Sidewinder, you need to use a regular 5th wheel hitch, and the wedge. Also, the hitch must be one that uses either the rails, or puck system to prevent the hitch from twisting. No using a gooseneck ball 5th wheel hitch type.

I have a Sidewinder on my trailer because of my short bed truck, and like it. I have an AUH sitting in my garage, but it will not work. Backing up into my driveway, which is about a 7* uphill, from the road, makes it really uncomfortable with how close the trailer comes to the truck cab when the trailer is on the driveway, and the truck is still on the road. Not worth it.