5th wheel hitch questions
I'm ramping up the search for a camper, and I feel I should get the T.V. ready in case I find a great deal. Is it practical to buy and install a fifth-wheel hitch before I decide on the trailer? I...
Forum Discussion
I started out with a Pullrite SuperGlide 2900 auto-slider and realized I didn't need it. I upgraded to a Trailer Saver BD3 when we traded trailers. When I purchased the BD3, I still wanted a slider, so I paid the extra $500 or so for the Simple Slider. It has been sitting in the garage ever since. With both hitches, I was able to get the trailer close to level, but on both I had to run the pinbox in the shortest setting.
If the fifth wheel had a squared off cap, like an older Nuwa or Cedar Creek unit, then you would absolutely requite a slider. If it has one of the newer, rounded corner caps like my two 5'ers have had, it is optional. I cannot turn a full 90 degrees with my current setup, but can get to about 83 degrees without touching. You can only get to that angle when backing, and at slow speeds, so I just keep an eye on it. In all practicality, it isn't a limitation at all. I did accidentally crush in part of my cab when messing around with it one day trying to determine how sharp I could go, then spent a few hours the next weekend pulling the dents out with a paintless dent puller I found on Amazon, so be careful. But a slider isn't needed, and isn't worth the extra space it takes up in the bed.
Hitches come in all different grades. For us, it was worth investing in a premium hitch like the BD3. For many others, the B&W Patriots are good enough and also have a premium-type jaw.
Be cautious about rear tire weights on a SRW, especially if you have 20s. They are the weak link on our trucks so everything is derated appropriately. I had to make major upgrades to my suspension and go to 19.5" tires to safely pull my trailer with the way I have it rigged out, but you should be okay with a lot of 5'ers and your stock truck. The aux fuel tank you have is one of the things that made us go over, though, so keep that in mind.
If the fifth wheel had a squared off cap, like an older Nuwa or Cedar Creek unit, then you would absolutely requite a slider. If it has one of the newer, rounded corner caps like my two 5'ers have had, it is optional. I cannot turn a full 90 degrees with my current setup, but can get to about 83 degrees without touching. You can only get to that angle when backing, and at slow speeds, so I just keep an eye on it. In all practicality, it isn't a limitation at all. I did accidentally crush in part of my cab when messing around with it one day trying to determine how sharp I could go, then spent a few hours the next weekend pulling the dents out with a paintless dent puller I found on Amazon, so be careful. But a slider isn't needed, and isn't worth the extra space it takes up in the bed.
Hitches come in all different grades. For us, it was worth investing in a premium hitch like the BD3. For many others, the B&W Patriots are good enough and also have a premium-type jaw.
Be cautious about rear tire weights on a SRW, especially if you have 20s. They are the weak link on our trucks so everything is derated appropriately. I had to make major upgrades to my suspension and go to 19.5" tires to safely pull my trailer with the way I have it rigged out, but you should be okay with a lot of 5'ers and your stock truck. The aux fuel tank you have is one of the things that made us go over, though, so keep that in mind.
