Slider hitch

[JR]

OK! So I'm now officially an owner of a short bed . Been researching slider hitches full throttle as that time of the year is upon us and my current hitch for the 98 long bed is now a paper weight. I'm pretty much sold on a manual slider based on all the reviews I've seen about having to be straight on to hitch/unhitch with an auto slider. This could be an issue given some of the areas we camp. Is this correct? And am I understanding correctly that most maneuvering can be done without having to unlock the hitch? Obviously being attentive is key here. I would just spring for the auto slider and be done with it but am afraid it would be more of a hassle than it's worth based on what I'm seeing. Looking for real world experience based on fellow "shorty" owners

 

[mwilson]

JR,

I don't have a slider on mine nor do I feel the need to add one. BUT my wheelbase is longer so it is harder to turn into the trailer nose as a result.

I have been in some nasty places and I just take my time. Backing up a trailer comes easy to me, always has. Always try to back in from the left side so you can see what's going on.

I think what happens a lot of the time is people forget to allow a little space between the cab and trailer nose in case the trailer wheels drop or the truck comes up while in the turn. That applies going forward OR backwards.

If you are a good driver and have an extended pin box you may be happy to forego the slider, if not comfortable with that then go with the manual slider. I'll bet you hardly ever need it once you figure it all out.

Mike.

 

[mwilson]

I would like to add that I feel an oscillating head on the hitch is a must. I have seen and assisted too many people that were not able to couple back into the pin because the site is not level.

The oscillating head takes that issue right off of the table. I love mine.

 

[JR]

Mike how far are you able to turn and maintain a safe distance? I have only two seasons experience with a camper but never had the need to go past about 75* (just a guess). Usually alot less than that. Affirmative on off camber stuff closing the gap. Been dragging GN and tags around (and hay and gravity wagons) since before I had my driver's license so I feel comfortable backing equipment up but I guess the "unknown" is what leaves me a touch apprehensive. As in what kind of scenarios could I get into that I would need a slider.

 

[ScottLewis]

One minute of inattention, after a long day of travel during heavy rain, cost me more than the price of an auto slider in damage to the cab, and I was lucky at that. You pay for insurance, hoping you will never need it. The auto-slide is just that. Every time I make a tight turn without worrying about hitting the cab, I'm thankful I have it. The few times the angle of connect/disconnect was a issue in the last 8 years was a minor problem.

 

[mwilson]

Mike how far are you able to turn and maintain a safe distance? I have only two seasons experience with a camper but never had the need to go past about 75* (just a guess). Usually alot less than that. Affirmative on off camber stuff closing the gap. Been dragging GN and tags around (and hay and gravity wagons) since before I had my driver's license so I feel comfortable backing equipment up but I guess the "unknown" is what leaves me a touch apprehensive. As in what kind of scenarios could I get into that I would need a slider.

I'm not sure, 50-60 degrees maybe?? And again I want to stress that the Megacab does not turn as short as a Quadcab will. I recall one instance in 11 years where a slider might have helped but I worked around it.

My driveway drops down from the road quite a bit and I back in there no problem. Have to watch both the LH cab corner AND the top of the truck bed.

Had to make an emergency stop at an Advance Auto in Matamoras Pa coming home and I turned it all around in an automotive size parking lot with no issues or dents. 3 jigs and I was turned around....

One scenario where you might get screwed would be a narrow campground road with a 90 degree turn into the site which has a Pine Tree right at the front left corner...

 

[mwilson]

I turned the Megacab and the 33' trailer around here with cars in the parking lot as shown with no damage. You will not be in such a situation as a rule...

 

[mwilson]

I am a lot more concerned about hitting the inside of the bedside with the trailer hitch when backing in my driveway than I am about the truck cab....

 

[mwilson]

One minute of inattention, after a long day of travel during heavy rain, cost me more than the price of an auto slider in damage to the cab, and I was lucky at that. You pay for insurance, hoping you will never need it. The auto-slide is just that. Every time I make a tight turn without worrying about hitting the cab, I'm thankful I have it. The few times the angle of connect/disconnect was a issue in the last 8 years was a minor problem.

And not saying that may not happen to me some day but so far, so good. I am still running with the tail gate on as well.

But I have a routine and if interrupted in the middle of it I am not pleased...most of the family knows to leave me alone when setting up or tearing down.

 

[DavidC]

I have had a Husky 16k slider since 2002 and would not give it up. I do not use it a lot but when it is needed it has worked flawlessly. When in doubt I slide it as the cab of the truck looks pretty good as it came from the factory and does not need any added dimples.

Dave

 

[Cummins2014]

OK! So I'm now officially an owner of a short bed . Been researching slider hitches full throttle as that time of the year is upon us and my current hitch for the 98 long bed is now a paper weight. I'm pretty much sold on a manual slider based on all the reviews I've seen about having to be straight on to hitch/unhitch with an auto slider. This could be an issue given some of the areas we camp. Is this correct? And am I understanding correctly that most maneuvering can be done without having to unlock the hitch? Obviously being attentive is key here. I would just spring for the auto slider and be done with it but am afraid it would be more of a hassle than it's worth based on what I'm seeing. Looking for real world experience based on fellow "shorty" owners

In 14 years with short bed trucks, not once have I had to pull back my slider, three different fifth wheels.

You sound like a great candidate for the Andersen Fifth Wheel hitch. It would be well worth looking into. Apparently they are coming out with the puck system to fit all three trucks.

 

[mwilson]

I don't see where you mention if the trailer has the extended pin box...If I did not already have the extended pin I would certainly have a slider. Wouldn't dare not to.

 

[Cummins2014]

I have had a Husky 16k slider since 2002 and would not give it up. I do not use it a lot but when it is needed it has worked flawlessly. When in doubt I slide it as the cab of the truck looks pretty good as it came from the factory and does not need any added dimples.

Dave

I am pretty careful when backing into anything, but as said never have had to pull my slider back. IMO with the newer fifth wheels ,and their front caps a slider is not as necessary as before. I certainly would not buy another today, but thats me.

To the OP if an automatic will let you sleep better at night get one, or a manual slider if needed.

 

[richardcoxid]

Look at the Anderson Ultimate hitch, depending on how you orientate the "base" and the "block" you will probably gain the clearance required and only weighs 35 lbs.

 

[Jim W]

I have a 2008 Mega Cab with a Resse Slider hitch, I would not pull a 5er without out a slider hitch. The only time I use the slider is in a campground and or backing the trailer into my driveway. When pulling the trailer on highways an city streets a slider hitch is not required since you do not turn at more than 45 to 55 degs but when backing up I tend to go to the extreme angle.

I have pulled with two different short bed trucks and three different 5er's, I have always used a slider hitch.

 

[JR]

The only way I can even use my current hitch is if I use the rails in the bed again which I've hated from day one. I picked the hitch up second hand for cheap but I just can't bring myself to use the rails again. So I figure if I'm gonna buy a hitch I may as well spring for the extra and get a slider. It's just not something I want to regret, if I don't use it I don't use it...at least it's there.
So that leads me to my next query of either buying the factory prep package or using a B&W turnover. I use a gooseneck more than a 5th wheel so if I go the factory prep route I have to buy both which makes it a wash in price compared to a B&W turnover kit. As it is I'm leaning toward the factory puck set up but still looking.
Too many decisions! Appreciate the feedback and suggestions from all, please keep them coming! There is certainly a wealth of knowledge here regarding this subject.

 

[SnoKing]

B&W now has a manual slider for RAM pucks. RVK 3670. I have the RVK3270 manual slider.

Only thing about a B&W head is you have to have space in front of the hitch for the handle to swing open. So I always slide back and never worry about hitting cab.

B&W is one of the best heads in the market, period. And well worth the price of omission.

 

[JR]

Snoking how did you mount your 3270? I thought you used the factory pucks as well.

 

[SnoKing]

The only way I can even use my current hitch is if I use the rails in the bed again which I've hated from day one. I picked the hitch up second hand for cheap but I just can't bring myself to use the rails again. So I figure if I'm gonna buy a hitch I may as well spring for the extra and get a slider. It's just not something I want to regret, if I don't use it I don't use it...at least it's there.
So that leads me to my next query of either buying the factory prep package or using a B&W turnover. I use a gooseneck more than a 5th wheel so if I go the factory prep route I have to buy both which makes it a wash in price compared to a B&W turnover kit. As it is I'm leaning toward the factory puck set up but still looking.
Too many decisions! Appreciate the feedback and suggestions from all, please keep them coming! There is certainly a wealth of knowledge here regarding this subject.

Did you by a used or new truck without the prep? I added the for pucks myself. If I was going to add gooseneck it would be a B&W.

 

[SnoKing]

Snoking how did you mount your 3270? I thought you used the factory pucks as well.

Demco 6099 picture frame, the puck slide came out later.