SIDEWINDER
TM
WEDGE
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
1. Verify the part number with shipping paper work. Verify that the wedge is named for your 5th wheel
hitch head or you have the universal wedge.
2. Verify that you also have two (2) 5/8 bolts and two (2) 5/8 lock washers.
3. With the truck unhooked from the unit bolt the wedge to the Sidewinder. The
wedge needs to be positioned with the narrow end towards the front of the
unit and the recessed area downward. The recessed area is for socket
head clearance to the bolts. Install bolts hand tight including the lock washers, then
slide the wedge to the rear most position of the slot.
Caution DO NOT position yourself or others under the trailer kingpin area or
between the truck and trailer during coupling or uncoupling. Serious injury or
death may occur.
If it is necessary to place any part of your body under the trailer or between truck
and trailer:
• All tires
• Trailer landing gear
• Truck MUST be stationary, in park, with emergency brake on
4. Hook the truck to the unit. Back straight into the Sidewinder. Make sure hitch jaws close. Pull
forward slightly to align truck, Sidewinder and 5
and lower trailer landing gear to the ground.
5. Slide wedge forward to make contact in to the 5
wedge with a hammer may help with this step.
6. Torque the wedge bolts to 160 ft. lbs.
7. Unhook the truck from the unit. Apply a small amount of grease to sides of the wedge block. This will
allow a much easier hook-up.
8. Connect the Sidewinder to your hitch in back of the truck making sure hitch jaws close. Back straight
into Sidewinder. Caution DO NOT position yourself or others under the trailer kingpin area
during coupling or uncoupling. Serious injury or death may occur.
9. Sidewinder will be hard to turn by hand until it has at least 500 miles on unit.
MUST be blocked in front and behind AND
MUST be resting on firm ground AND
th
wheel in a straight position. Set brakes, turn off truck
th
wheel hitch head. A slight tapping on the rear of the
Cequent Towing Products
47774 W. Anchor Court
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone 866-352-7340
www.fifthairborne.com
PCN9891 SWWIN REV B 10/24/07