I am new to 5th wheel trailers. We just bought a 2004 dutchman 5th wheel. I am having a Curt Q20 hitch installed in my 2012 2500HD Chevy Crew Cab with 6.5' box.My question......Do I need rollers/slides on my hitch?thanks muchJonny

You mean a sliding hitch I assume. You either buy a slider or you don't it's not an addon. If you are careful when you turn the fifth wheel you should be OK with a standard hitch, so long as the 5ver has the modern style rounded front cap. The problem arises when you get near a 90 degree angle between the trailer and truck cab. You don't want the front cap to bang into the back of the truck cab.BK

This is an age-old question and you will get many answers, all valid for that person and his or her truck and trailer combination. I have an antique trailer with a very square front and I use my slider every time I pull into a campground. Watching the corners is one less thing to worry about. Given the difference in cost between a slider and a nonslider, you could pay more than that for one mistake that crushes the corner of the truck and takes out the rear window. Good luck and welcome to the forum. Lots of good people here!Bob

You have a short bed truck and an older trailer. That in my opinion would greatly benefit from adding the roller option to the Curt Q20. You'll have to manually move the hitch to the rear position whenever you will need to turn sharp such as when backing. Then move it back to tow position when towing. In tow position you have to avoid sharp turns. Normally this isn't a problem although some older trailers with flat front caps and shorter king pins can be difficult.How much can you get the Curt Q20 with rollers installed for? If its in your budget I would highly recommend the Pullrite Superglide over the Curt Q20 or other manual sliders. It is an auto sliding hitch. You never worry about it. Just hitch and go. It automatically slides back when turning. Your trailer will never hit the back of your cab. Another benefit of the Superglide is easy removal from your bed when you need full access.

5th wheel hitch question | Good Sam Community

cwit
Explorer
Sep 17, 2013
I agree with Mainerbob
MainerBob
Explorer
Sep 17, 2013
This is an age-old question and you will get many answers, all valid for that person and his or her truck and trailer combination. I have an antique trailer with a very square front and I use my slider every time I pull into a campground. Watching the corners is one less thing to worry about. Given the difference in cost between a slider and a nonslider, you could pay more than that for one mistake that crushes the corner of the truck and takes out the rear window. Good luck and welcome to the forum. Lots of good people here!

Bob
agesilaus
Explorer III
Sep 17, 2013
You mean a sliding hitch I assume. You either buy a slider or you don't it's not an addon. If you are careful when you turn the fifth wheel you should be OK with a standard hitch, so long as the 5ver has the modern style rounded front cap. The problem arises when you get near a 90 degree angle between the trailer and truck cab. You don't want the front cap to bang into the back of the truck cab.

BK

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