Forum Discussion

woodyw333's avatar
woodyw333
Explorer
Mar 27, 2014

5th wheel hitch question

It has been a while since I've been here as I sold my TT then sold the truck I pulled it with. Well things changed lol. I now have a 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 Megacab 4X4 with the 6.7L Cummins. We are looking into getting a 5er. We have narrrowed it down to 2 models. 2014 Palomino Sabre 34TBOK or Heritage Glen 356QBQ. My question is since it is a short bed truck will I need the slider hitch? I know its advised to have it but after reading through numerous threads about it with different trucks most have it but dont ever use it because of the design of the front of the 5er. Also if I do get a slider it will be the automatic one. Both of the campers are under what the truck can pull.

Any imput about the 5ers are also welcome!

Thanks
Chris
  • snocatdriver's avatar
    snocatdriver
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2014
    Most definitely yes. Your mega-cab box is even shorter that a standard Dodge short box. My neighbor dented his cab with his Dodge short box standard crew cab while pulling forward with his Keystone Challenger 5er. Granted his front cap is not one of the newer "max-turn" caps but why take a chance. A slider may cost a little more but it sure gives you piece of mind knowing you don't have to worry about your cab when backing.
  • powderman426's avatar
    powderman426
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2014
    Before making a decision you might want to take a look at the sidewinder or revolution pin boxes. Then no need for slider and because you have pulled trailers there it's no learning curve for backing up as they act much like a trailer.
  • sljkansas's avatar
    sljkansas
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2014
    If it was me I would get the slider. That said I would go with the B&W under bed mount, and their new manual slider hitch. Maybe a few dollars higher than some, but you get the use of your bed back with no rails to deal with.
  • southernsky's avatar
    southernsky
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2014
    texas_train wrote:
    I finally got the pullrite and have since never looked back. Recommend it highly, you just never have to worry about that again.

    X2
  • waltbennett's avatar
    waltbennett
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2014
    Not familiar with the two models you're interested in, but the need for a slider is driven by the configuration of the front of the trailer and how sharp you're turning the whole thing. Several 5ers are made to minimize hitting a short bed cab (unless you try doing something close to a right angle), some will cause a problem at 30 degrees. (Examples are the several Montana owners who've never had to engage their slider hitch at all and the few that only had to in extreme turns.) I'd error on the safe side though, but like Curt hitches best.
  • frank-2's avatar
    frank-2
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2014
    Yes a slider hitch is the way to go I have a short box truck also have a slider hitch
  • texas_train's avatar
    texas_train
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2014
    I finally got the pullrite and have since never looked back. Recommend it highly, you just never have to worry about that again.
  • hammer21661's avatar
    hammer21661
    Explorer
    Mar 27, 2014
    Yes unless you want to dent the back of the cab. It will happen before it's over.

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,007 PostsLatest Activity: Feb 28, 2025