BigUnixGeek Posted October 8, 2021 Share Posted October 8, 2021 To anyone towing a 5th wheel with a short bed, would you please share what kind of sliding hitch you're using, if any, and how you like it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigUnixGeek Posted October 8, 2021 Author Share Posted October 8, 2021 Lots of info is exactly what I was hoping for. Paid demos on Youtube are only usefull to (maybe) see how it actually works -- not really how *well* it works. Interesting to hear that the trailer manufacturers are making it easier to tow with a shorter bed. Still probably wouldn't know until you make all the measurements or actually hook one up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rlatronico Posted October 8, 2021 Share Posted October 8, 2021 (edited) I've been towing a 5th wheel with a short bed super duty for years. I've used a Reese hitch for the Ford puck system for the last ten years and it has been pretty good. With the new truck I'm going to get a B&W because I like the dual jaws. The current one just has a single bar and I get a lot of chucking on start and stop. You'll get many people say that you should only use a sliding hitch but I have not found any occasion in which I needed it. Like stated above, the front caps of most manufacturers allow for plenty of clearance in most situations. If you are going to jack knife it over about 70 degrees then you might want a spotter, but that would be extremely rare. Edited October 8, 2021 by rlatronico Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryD Posted October 8, 2021 Share Posted October 8, 2021 I have use a PullRite slider in my short bed for 8 years. Duramax was totaled in hail storm in April. Ordered a F350 and hope to get this month. I contacted PullRite and purchased the mounts to convert to the puck system. My old system was the universal rails. What I like about the PullRite #2900 is it is automatic. I don’t have to worry about unlocking. Also , you install a capture plate on your 5th wheel hitch. That will keep anyone without the same hitch from towing it( security). If you need someone to tow it, remove it. Fantastic customer service. No grease. Only drawback, it is heavy at about 250 lbs. Change to puck system was 500. vs buying a new hitch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harrycomes Posted October 9, 2021 Share Posted October 9, 2021 I've got a Reese sliding hitch in my F150 towing a 28' cougar. I don't need the sliding hitch for turning, but sliding it back to hitch and unhitch makes it so much easier. With the hitch in the tow position, the tailgate won't drop down all the way without hitting the camper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford truck guy Posted October 9, 2021 Share Posted October 9, 2021 I had the Pullrite Superglide and loved ir… If I were to go back to a S/B ( not likely) I would get another Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skkyking Posted October 10, 2021 Share Posted October 10, 2021 I just bought a Demco slider for my new order. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted October 11, 2021 Share Posted October 11, 2021 Non-sliding B&W for me. No issues, just have to watch when turning sharp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbushardjr Posted October 12, 2021 Share Posted October 12, 2021 I pull a 5th wheel with my current and previous 5.5’ bed F150, no slider. Just have to pay attention, once I didn’t while making a quick sharp turn in a small parking lot. I heard the crunch and knew right away. Didn’t break the window though. Once in 15 years ain’t bad. Most people I know that have sliders don’t use them anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
awmolq Posted October 12, 2021 Share Posted October 12, 2021 Are B&W 5th wheel hitches the way to go? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordmantpw Posted October 12, 2021 Share Posted October 12, 2021 10 hours ago, awmolq said: Are B&W 5th wheel hitches the way to go? Yes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skkyking Posted October 12, 2021 Share Posted October 12, 2021 I have always had a 8’ box, so never needed a slider. My brother was trying to get on a spot at a state park and broke his back window out and creased his cab a couple of months ago. All it takes is a split second and it can ruin your day. We both have ten year old trailers which don’t have the rounded corners. Since I ordered the 6 3/4’ box I decided to go with the Demco auto slider. Don’t need the worry or excitement of forgetting on a hard park. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GearheadGrrrl Posted October 12, 2021 Share Posted October 12, 2021 I'm amazed that the manufacturers make and sell such incompatible products- Compare that to Class 8 semi tractors and trailers where everybody works out the geometry to insure compatibility and a 72" Cab After is about the shortest they make and 84" is common. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skkyking Posted October 12, 2021 Share Posted October 12, 2021 A lot of travel trailer manufacturers are just now catching up the shorter wheel base trucks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GearheadGrrrl Posted October 13, 2021 Share Posted October 13, 2021 More like the trailer makers are trying to compensate for the truck makers poor design- Even with a round front or the king pin as far forward on the trailer as possible, it takes 51", half the width of the trailer, to be able to make the 90 degree tractor to trailer angle that is the standard for cargo semi-trailers. You want the kingpin even or slightly ahead of the truck's rear axle for stability, and no way can you get that needed 51" cab to axle distance or even a 48" CA with a 66" or even 78" long short box. Long box is the only way to do it right, anything less is asking for trouble... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenneths Posted October 13, 2021 Share Posted October 13, 2021 I have a Curt slider for universal rails if you are interested, I ordered the puck system in my new DRW long bed and will not need a slider anymore. Where are you located. I might be able to make you a deal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ford truck guy Posted October 14, 2021 Share Posted October 14, 2021 On 10/11/2021 at 9:54 PM, awmolq said: Are B&W 5th wheel hitches the way to go? IN MY eyes.... YES ! ! ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThreeLRanch Posted October 15, 2021 Share Posted October 15, 2021 I have a SB and a B and W slide and never needed to use the slider and I have got in some really tight spots with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
acdebacanm Posted October 18, 2021 Share Posted October 18, 2021 I've never used my slider. Just gotta be aware of where your trailer is at Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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