2011 Trailer tow prep package
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,225
Likes: 63
The hitch I have now is a Hensley Trailer Saver TS3
During pre-purchase discussions I reflected on the weight (300+ pounds) and the difficulty of removing it.
The Trailer Saver rep suggested just using leaving it on the pin box and raise the trailer out of the truck. It was OK to leave the hitch suspended from the pin box.
During pre-purchase discussions I reflected on the weight (300+ pounds) and the difficulty of removing it.
The Trailer Saver rep suggested just using leaving it on the pin box and raise the trailer out of the truck. It was OK to leave the hitch suspended from the pin box.
New User
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Yes you can hang a hitch from the pin box. Both will survive. I thought i would do it but don't. Have a Reese Signature Series 18K which breaks down into 2 pieces. I am an old dude and can remove and install it in the truck without help.
After installing a 5th Airborne extended Pin Box i had to lower the hitch one bolt hole. Then i flipped the hitch handle and it fits under my Pace Edwards roll top bed cover. Now i have the best of both worlds. BTW I love the 5th Airborne.
When i change from my 06 Duramax to a new F350 i will get the 5th wheel the hitch prep.
Cheers.
After installing a 5th Airborne extended Pin Box i had to lower the hitch one bolt hole. Then i flipped the hitch handle and it fits under my Pace Edwards roll top bed cover. Now i have the best of both worlds. BTW I love the 5th Airborne.
When i change from my 06 Duramax to a new F350 i will get the 5th wheel the hitch prep.
Cheers.
New User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: coastal nc
I have a toy hauler about the size of epicCowlick and tow with a 2005 short bed f250 and bought a side winder pin box. It completly eliminates the need for a slider hitch.It changes the pivot point from the hitch too the pin box under the camper.I was impressed, there is more clearance than using your slider. It is made by reese and there is a vidieo of it on there web site or on utube
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 3,225
Likes: 63
Sidewinder pin box – sliding hitch, 2 completely different animals.
The sidewinder is automatic, and uses a wedge plate to make it so. Most sliders are not automatic except the PullRite, which uses a wedge to make it so.
With a sliding hitch your pivot point is always over the axle center line except when you are turning more then 16 degrees (or you released the hitch)
With the sidewinder your pivot point is always 20-22” behind the axle centerline.
Towing is always best with the pivot slightly ahead of over the axle center line.
Bottom line is expense and what you like.
The sidewinder is about 60-70% of the cost of a SuperGlide – not including the mount kit (you need hitch mounting anyway).
Personally, just like I don’t care for the physical aspects of the way the B&W hitch works, I don’t care for the potential stress using a sidewinder can exhibit.
And some trailer manufacturers will not sign off on the use of a sidewinder.
20-22” is one heck of a lever.
The one good thing about whatever you do, with the turning radius of most of these trucks, you can only get into trouble when backing/jack knifing the trailer.
The sidewinder is automatic, and uses a wedge plate to make it so. Most sliders are not automatic except the PullRite, which uses a wedge to make it so.
With a sliding hitch your pivot point is always over the axle center line except when you are turning more then 16 degrees (or you released the hitch)
With the sidewinder your pivot point is always 20-22” behind the axle centerline.
Towing is always best with the pivot slightly ahead of over the axle center line.
Bottom line is expense and what you like.
The sidewinder is about 60-70% of the cost of a SuperGlide – not including the mount kit (you need hitch mounting anyway).
Personally, just like I don’t care for the physical aspects of the way the B&W hitch works, I don’t care for the potential stress using a sidewinder can exhibit.
And some trailer manufacturers will not sign off on the use of a sidewinder.
20-22” is one heck of a lever.
The one good thing about whatever you do, with the turning radius of most of these trucks, you can only get into trouble when backing/jack knifing the trailer.
New User
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: coastal nc
Porthole when I first saw the sidewinder I was skeptical too. but after I saw it in action I was sold. I have a manuel slider hitch and only slide it in campgrounds,I was looking for something better some places can get tight with a shortbed truck unless you have an automatic hitch. The sidewinder works geat. I work all over the country and pull a 39" toy hauler loaded with tools and a harley.As far as towing I have towed with the standard pin box and the sidewinder and can tell no difference except the sidewinder is so convenient especially when manuevering in those tight gas stations and campgrounds.and it beats a slider hands down
Last edited by garyb57; Jan 17, 2011 at 08:23 AM. Reason: add something
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