Increasing Turning Clearance when Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a Short Bed Truck

Expert Reply:

To increase the turning clearance when towing your 5th wheel trailer you can use a hitch that offers more travel, such as the Demco HiJacker # DM8550035. This hitch has 14 inches of travel which is 4 more than the Husky 26K slider, # HT31318-32042. Also, the Demco hitch slides automatically so you won't have to get out of the truck.

If that 4 inches isn't enough then you could potentially replace the pin box on the trailer with a Sidewinder. The Sidewinder will move the pivot point of the trailer back 22 inches which will be more than enough clearance. The only problem is that Sidewinders are not compatible with the Husky 26K hitch so you would need to replace the hitch anyway.

You won't have to have the most expensive hitch. You could use the fixed Reese M5 # RP30928. A fixed hitch should be used with a Sidewinder. A slider could be used as long as it is always locked in the tow position.

If your Lippert pin box is a 0719, 1621, or 1621HD you can use Sidewinder # RP34FR. If you go this route and also choose the Reese M5 hitch then you'll also need custom wedge # RP44FR.