Reese SW16K SIDEWINDER - Manual (Page 8)

Installation Instructions
16K Sidewinder TM
Rev. A 02-11-09 SW16KIN Sheet 8 of 12 z 2009 Cequent Performance Products
Form: F205 Rev A 5-6-05
3. Install the universal wedge into the position for Sidewinder TM feature activation (figure 20) , in the proper
orientation for your fifth wheel. The bolts will not be fully tightened at this time. (figure 23) Only tighten the (2)
5/8-11 X 1 3/4” wedge bolts until the lock washers begin to engage. The wedge should be allowed to slide
with the rap of a hammer or mallet.
4. Apply grease to the surface on both sides of the wedge, the back side of the pin, and the skid plate surface as
shown in figure 23. *For Signature Series Fifth Wheel Heads, lubricate the area where the jaw passes under
the wedge.
Activating the Sidewinder TM Feature Con’t:
Figure 23
Figure 24
Apply grease to surface on both
sides of the wedge.
Grease the back side of the pin. *For Signature Series, Lubricate the area where the jaw
passes under the wedge
Apply grease to skid plate
surface for hook-up and un-
hook.
5. Hook-up to the fifth wheel trailer following the hitching procedure in this manual, for proper latching of the fifth
wheel hitch refer to the owners manual for your fifth wheel hitch.
6. With the trailer wheels still firmly blocked, landing gear still resting firm on the ground and supporting the trailer
weight, and truck stationary and in park with the emergency brake on: Tap the wedge firmly forward until it will
no longer travel.
7. Attempt to tighten both wedge bolts. Both bolts may not be accessible while the unit is hitched, in these cases
tighten the most accessible bolt (usually the rear); these bolts will later be tightened to the proper torque
value.
8. Unhitch the trailer from the tow vehicle following the unhitching procedure in this manual.
9. Torque (2) 5/8” Wedge Bolts to 150 ft-lbs (figure 24). A thin walled socket may be necessary.
10. The wedge adjustment is a one time adjustment for your fifth wheel hitch. If a different fifth wheel hitch is
used after this adjustment, it is necessary to readjust the wedge for the specific fifth wheel hitch.
Torque (2) 5/8” Wedge Bolts to 150 ft-
lbs.