5th Wheel Hitch Shopping

[DIESELMAN]

As I am patiently awaiting my new '03CTD QC SB, I am shopping for a new 5th Hitch. I don't want another manual slider.



Anyone using or have comments about the PullRite SuperGlide hitches? They look slick, their video touts them, but I've not seen one ITRW.

 

[WOT]

I have heard other people make a similar product but personally don't know of any. Sure wish some people would post some replies here as I am looking to buy a superglide (pullrite) 16K hitch & want some real-world experiance input. The price I have seen for the 16K is about $1600 (installed).



The one negative I have heard is that u must rivet a peice of metal to the tongue of the trailer & nobody else (with a standard hitch) can pull it because of the interferance.

 

[DIESELMAN]

Thats what I want to know.



Is that piece able to clear other 5th wheel tables?

How well does it slide?

Does it bind or gall?

Does it bind the truck/trailer when off level and backing sharp?

Does it thump or rattle?

Does it do anything odd while backing or turning?

 

[fSTOP]

Two weeks ago I traded my TT for a new 5er, and because of my short bed I decided on the Pull Rite 16K model instead of a slider hitch. Have only made two trips with it so far and I am very glad I did. All you have to do is pay attention to your driving, without having to worry if everything is going to clear or not.



Yes, there is a plate that is mounted onto the 5er hitch. It is necessary for the system to function correctly. The plate is what causes the hitch to turn and then slide back 14 inches.



While the plate is on the 5er, the rig cannot be hooked up to another 5er hitch.



The cost is more like $2000, but to me it is a lot cheaper in the long run than a fixed or slider hitch, cause I won't have to worry about paying for the damage to the cab or back window!

 

[WOT]

Thanks for the info... I have a couple of questions:



How easy is the plate to install & remove (switch between trailers)?



Can u hook up any 5th wheel to the hitch (without the plate)? Obviously you would lose the slide function, but can it be done?



TIA,



WOT

 

[fSTOP]

WOT,

Plate is secured with numerous counter-sunk allen head bolts and nuts. You could remove it to put it on another unit, but would take a little time to drill the new holes.



I haven't tried to hook up to a 5er without the plate on it, but from all appearances I don't see why it couldn't be done.

 

[WOT]

fStop,



THANKS! Seems like I keep having questions... Once more just came to mind. How heavy is the whole thing? I can remove a Reese hitch (around 75-100 lbs), can one man remove the hitch if necessary? I would think it would have to be fairly heavy with all the gears & whatnot in it.



The reason I ask is I tend to always be loading crap in & out of the bed - I really like the fact that it doesn't leave rails in the bed when removed.



Hopefully some other people are getting something from all my questions too!



WOT

 

[fSTOP]

WOT

Paperwork says it weights 140 lbs. You don't have to take it out as one piece. By pulling pins it comes out as three pieces, which makes it easy enough for one person to handle. Then all you have left is the four pins in the bed which you turn 90 deg. and lift out, leaving the bed totally clear.



There are not any `gears', it is more like a cam plate, located in the middle part of the hitch. It is an amazingly simple, yet totally efficient hitch.



It is a nice experience to purchase a product and discover that it does exactly what it advertised it would do!



Their website has a warning about limitations. It explains that if the king pin is located too far back under the leading edge of the 5er that it still might not clear the cab. If you call the factory with the information on your 5er, they will be able to tell you if it will work in your truck with your choice of 5er.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

My local RV dealer, which I visit a lot, has installed a few of them and keeps one in his showroom. It looks pretty nice.



His price is $2,048 + tax installed.



I want one for my truck, but am doing other important things first.

 

[Barry]

It amazes me how technical we become to solve a very simple problem. An extended pin box for $179 is far less costlly and much simpler than a slider hitch. I keep a slider hitch in stock for the shortbed customers but always recommend an extended pin box.

 

[fSTOP]

Barry,



I believe that what you say is very true for those with lighter weight 5er's, however the manufacturers recommend against it for heavier units, especially those with higher pin weight. Dutchmen told me that mine already had the pin extended as far forward as they believed was safe.



Have been told that with the heavier units you can be placing additional stresses on a lot of the frame welds, and could be voiding you warranty if something breaks.



It was something I looked at, but decided against.

 

[WOT]

All,



Thanks for the help...



I decided to pull the trigger and get a new 5th wheel (trade in the TT). The dealer is going to put on the 16K slide (pullrite) for $1600 (below his cost supposedly). Got a good price on the camper too, so all-in-all I am happy.



Called pullrite, they say the complete 16K assembly (including mounting brackets) is 285 lbs (not sure why fStop's paperwork says 140 lbs - interesting). Hitch weight of the camper is 1220 lbs. I will probably have to put the axles on the other side of the springs - dealer said he would do it for me if it is necessary after seeing where we are post hitch install.



WOT