Discussions

Anyone on eBrandon or know of anyone who has installed one of these? I am looking at putting one on my 5th wheel but am looking for feedback on them.

Went to Milco . Very reasonable compared to other places and installed. They do good work

Roadrash said "Went to Milco . Very reasonable compared to other places and installed. They do good work "

I am getting pricing from them. I was looking for feedback on how they work. I have an F150 with 6.5" box. Currently I have enough clearance to do full turns. When I am on non-level ground it poses a problem of hitting the truck. Just wanted to get other people's feedback.

I have had on for 3 or 4 years. They work well. I have 5.5 foot box and can turn past 90 degrees if I want. Hoomi g and unhooking is a little toucher as you have to go straight on because of the wedge, but no big deal

So my question is when hooked up I have a couple feet between back window and 5th wheel. When I turn 90 degrees I have about 4-6 inches. Would I still maintain a 2 foot spacing with the sidewinder? I am only thinking of the sidewinder because if there is a slight incline to back up while turning that 4-6 inches becomes zero very quickly. Am wondering if that will give me more space on the turn.

Fishin Guy said "So my question is when hooked up I have a couple feet between back window and 5th wheel. When I turn 90 degrees I have about 4-6 inches. Would I still maintain a 2 foot spacing with the sidewinder? I am only thinking of the sidewinder because if there is a slight incline to back up while turning that 4-6 inches becomes zero very quickly. Am wondering if that will give me more space on the turn. "

Mine extends the pin approx 16 - 18 inches. Also, the swivel is still at the trailer so the unit tracks better and makes it simpler to back into tight spaces, in my humble opinion.  
Your welcome to PM me and we could arrange for you to look at my setup. It's still in town.

Fishin Guy said "    Roadrash said "Went to Milco . Very reasonable compared to other places and installed. They do good work " I am getting pricing from them. I was looking for feedback on how they work. I have an F150 with 6.5" box. Currently I have enough clearance to do full turns. When I am on non-level ground it poses a problem of hitting the truck. Just wanted to get other people's feedback. "

Is it hitting truck cab or the bed rails on un level ground? If it''s rails I don''t think a sidewinder will solve the issue. You will need to raise your hitch itself and/or extend the pinbox on your 5th wheel to give you added height.  
 
I have a 6 1/2'' box with a slider hitch for situations where I need tighter turns. Have never had slide it to manuever. You shouldn''t be going beyond 90deg anyways. Anything beyond that will yield no benefit to maneuvering and make your life difficult.  
 
Edited by Cjford, 2017-08-29 11:19:47

Cjford said "    Fishin Guy said "    Roadrash said "Went to Milco . Very reasonable compared to other places and installed. They do good work " I am getting pricing from them. I was looking for feedback on how they work. I have an F150 with 6.5" box. Currently I have enough clearance to do full turns. When I am on non-level ground it poses a problem of hitting the truck. Just wanted to get other people's feedback. " Is it hitting truck cab or the bed rails on un level ground? If it''s rails I don''t think a sidewinder will solve the issue. You will need to raise your hitch itself and/or extend the pinbox on your 5th wheel to give you added height.     I have a 6 1/2'' box with a slider hitch for situations where I need tighter turns. Have never had slide it to manuever. You shouldn''t be going beyond 90deg anyways. Anything beyond that will yield no benefit to maneuvering and make your life difficult.     Edited by Cjford, 2017-08-29 11:19:47"

On unlevel ground I risk hitting the cab on turns. The only time I really need this is when backing into my driveway off the street. If people are parked across the street and not home like it happened when I dented my cab(didn't even realize it would hit), that is when I would need some extra space. Plus more of a piece of mind in areas like parking at RFM during the concert. The farmer's field isn't exactly level and I have to take extra precautions when turning in places like that.

Considered just a slider hitch? May be good enough for what you need. I believe they come in manual or you can get auto engage units. Think the sidewinder were more built for those who want to use the 5.5 bed.  
 
Either way make sure you price out Canadian and American. I''m all for supporting local until the price difference becomes ridiculous. My hitch after paying duty and converting u.s to Canadian still came out almost 800 dollars cheaper by ordering in u.s and shipping to border services.  
 
Edited by Cjford, 2017-08-29 19:02:19