5th wheel Question.

[lawdog]

I spoke to a gentleman at Waldenwoods Campground tonight with a new 3500 SRW QC SB 600 w/48RE. He has a 32' 5er he pulls and said it is about 14000 lbs loaded. He has the Pullrite Super Glide auto slider 5ht wheel. He sais it is tricky to hook up and have to be lined up perfect to lock it in. Also says feels a bump when starting and stopping from the 5th wheel moving the hitch, I am quessing the slider moving forward and rearward on its cam.

Just curious if this is normal for these hitches. I am considering a 5th wheel for my truck, but if that is the case, I may consider a custom Gooseneck with a 6' wide nose to work with the SB.

Any comments would be appreciated.

 

[CROW]

No, what the fella was describing is not normal for these hitches. I have a 3600 24K Pull Rite Super Glide in my 03 3500 truck and pull a 32 foot fifth wheel. Have used the hitch for a little over a year and am pleased with it. It does exactly what the manufacturer claims and appears to be an excellent piece of equipment. The hitch does not move rearward until the angle of a turn exceeds 16 degrees, so the bump he is describing is not from the hitch moving rearward. There is a nylon adjustment block at the front of the hitch that is probably causing the bump. The adjustment procedure is simple and should get rid of the bump. If that doesn't, he may have an installation issue. To hook up, the instructions indicate that you need to be within 10 degrees of having the truck and trailer straight. That has not been a problem so far and I can't see it being one. The worst part of these slider hitches is having to grease the rails, but guess that is the price I have to pay for having a short bed truck.

 

[lawdog]

Crow,

What type of grease do you use, and is it going to be a big problem in the Michigan Winters with snow and salt getting on everything. I will be towing in the winter.

 

[CROW]

I use NAPA All Weather Lith-Ease grease, Part NO. 765-1393. Started buying it in a tube but used too many so now buy it in the 16 oz tub like wheel bearing grease comes in. This grease seems to repel water pretty well. If there is such a thing as over greasing the hitch, I do it. I periodically take gas soaked rags (don't tell my Dad) clean and regrease the entire hitch since the grease will eventually get dirty. I grease it every time I tow. Don't see there being a problem in your winters as long as you keep everything lubricated. Mine has stayed wet for long periods and appears to be doing fine as far as rust is concerned. Sometimes when I know I will not be towing for a period of time, I'll grease the hitch when I unhook from the trailer.

 

[Jumbo Jet]

Definitely an adjustment or installation issue.



I used one for a year and it worked flawlessly.



It was always best to hook and unhook with the vehicle straight as possible.



White spray lithium grease worked for me. I cleaned the slides every couple of months and reapplied.



I traded for a LWB and now use a B&W Companion.

 

[Fireman]

I concur with CROW, the guy you talked to probably didn't study his instructions very well. Adjusting the nylon block will eliminate the "bump". Like Jumbo Jet I always used the lithium grease in the aerisol can, worked well for me. Personally I think that the Super Glide is the only hitch for a SWB.



My $0. 02



Fireman

 

[BillH]

I agree with the above comments. I also use grease in an aersol can, and no problems.



BillH

 

[lawdog]

Thanks for all the help and advice guys... .