We have recently moved from a TT to a 5th wheel and will need to install a 5th wheel hitch. Originally I was going going to go the cost conscience route and put in a B&W patriot manual slider that was recommended by the local RV repair dealership. However, I am now thinking I should look long-range and probably go with a long term vision. I have read where some have had manual sliders and ended up with dents in the cab because they did not engage the slider. I am looking for advice on what hitch I should install. The TV is a 2013 Chevrolet short box. the distance from the cab to end the tailgate when closed os 6"10 1/2".I like the Andersson ultimate 5th wheel hitch but have read some posts where users have stated that it bends. Would appreciate all opinionsthe local shop said he has a used pullrite auto glide that is being sold on consignment for $700 and could be installed for another $500 that came off the same TV I have and would not require any additional parts. Is that a fair price?

I used a Pullrite Super Glide for many years of problem free towing. The price of $700.00 would have to depend on the condition and functionality of the hitch.. IF it is in good working order, its worth it ...The good thing is that Pullrite is GREAT to deal with if parts are needed.....

Fair price? I don't know, have you checked the price of a new one?

First of all, If your FW has the rounded nose, you won't need a sliding hitch. GM has the longest distance from rear axle center, to back of cab. That, and the fact that most newer FWs have rounded front corners, that are purpose designed to tow with a 6.5 bed truck. If you think you still have to have a slider, for that once every five years, that you get in an extreme backup, then get the Patriot manual slider.Since 99, I've been towing a FWs with Fords, that have 2"s less distance from axle center to cab than your GM, and never come close to hitting cab.A Patriot non-slider would be a good choice for you, and they are adjustable ahead/back, very easily.Jerry

Tyler0215 wrote:Fair price? I don't know, have you checked the price of a new one?$1100 Plus for 16KPricing goes UP depending on Model and Weight Rating$700 is a pretty decent price for use provided it has not been ABUSED$500 installation cost?????

$500 is too much for installation in my opinion. If it came out of your truck you should be able to install it yourself. Some of us with short box trucks have no use for a sliding hitch but I agree with you that if you get a slider it should be an auto slide. The auto slide hitches can be a little more difficult to hitch up. I am satisfied with my short box and B&W Companion.

advice on 5th wheel hitch option | Good Sam Community

MFL
Nomad II
Aug 23, 2020
Hey Dan, maybe someone on the forum, that lives near you, that has the standard base, but wants a slider will PM you for a swap.

The B&W owners are all somewhat related! :)

Jerry
Hammerboy
Explorer
Aug 23, 2020
I also had the Superglide on our old fifthwheel and truck. While it was a quality built hitch it was finicky as some have said and more than once I had to disconnect the head in order to unhitch. Now days I use a rail mount 18k B&W Patriot slider hitch. Don't ever use the slider as our current fifth has the cut corners like the vast majority of modern fifth wheels do. I am actually looking to replace my slider base with a non slider. Much prefer my B&W

Dan
cummins2014
Explorer
Aug 23, 2020
MNRon wrote:
Cummins is correct about the finicky nature of the Superglide hitching/unhitching within ~15deg of straight. I was originally concerned about that but have gotten used to it and don’t consider it to be much of an impediment.

We’ve traveled ~75,000 miles in the last 6 years, and typically travel about half-time changing sites on average of once or twice a week (at least half the time at state parks or similar). In all of that time only once did I need to disconnect at an angle, it only requires pulling two cotter pins and disconnecting the hitch plate. Wouldn’t want to do it every time, but it wouldn’t scare me away from getting this autoslider for peace of mind.

That was my point . If you are within 15 degrees all’s good , if not then what . Got to get straightened up , and is that always possible, hopefully yes. If not then maybe another hitch might be better for others .
MNRon
Explorer
Aug 22, 2020
Cummins is correct about the finicky nature of the Superglide hitching/unhitching within ~15deg of straight. I was originally concerned about that but have gotten used to it and don’t consider it to be much of an impediment.

We’ve traveled ~75,000 miles in the last 6 years, and typically travel about half-time changing sites on average of once or twice a week (at least half the time at state parks or similar). In all of that time only once did I need to disconnect at an angle, it only requires pulling two cotter pins and disconnecting the hitch plate. Wouldn’t want to do it every time, but it wouldn’t scare me away from getting this autoslider for peace of mind.
cummins2014
Explorer
Aug 22, 2020
To add to your questions the Superglide can be a little difficult to unhitch. The other thing is ,it has to fairly straight to be hitched up or unhitched ,a bit of an angle backing is not possible with the Superglide because of the capture plate on the pin box. So that is a consideration when purchasing a Superglide.

Friend ,and neighbor of mine finally got tired of the glitchy hitching process of the Superglide ,and went with the Andersen .
cummins2014
Explorer
Aug 22, 2020
mrad wrote:
We have recently moved from a TT to a 5th wheel and will need to install a 5th wheel hitch. Originally I was going going to go the cost conscience route and put in a B&W patriot manual slider that was recommended by the local RV repair dealership. However, I am now thinking I should look long-range and probably go with a long term vision. I have read where some have had manual sliders and ended up with dents in the cab because they did not engage the slider.

I am looking for advice on what hitch I should install. The TV is a 2013 Chevrolet short box. the distance from the cab to end the tailgate when closed os 6"10 1/2".

I like the Andersson ultimate 5th wheel hitch but have read some posts where users have stated that it bends. Would appreciate all opinions

the local shop said he has a used pullrite auto glide that is being sold on consignment for $700 and could be installed for another $500 that came off the same TV I have and would not require any additional parts. Is that a fair price?

I tow with two different hitches, one is a manual slider ,that I have never slid it back . The other hitch is the steel rail mount Andersen , it functions the same as the aluminum, just mounts to a frame adapter on the OE puck system. My Ram short bed 3500 is the shortest of the three. No issues with the Andersen, which I am starting to prefer to the two I own.

Only reason I went with the Andersen was the ease of removing from the truck. We do an annual summer trip to Montana . I take an inflatable pontoon boat with me, and haul it around to the local lakes, it was always a pain to get that heavy sliding hitch out of the truck to be able to do that, with the Andersen not an issue.
MNRon
Explorer
Aug 22, 2020
I also have a 2013 Chevy short bed. Have used the Pullrite Superglide for the last 6yrs on two different 5ers. Love it. Highly recommended. I know some say it’s not needed IF you’re careful. I agree, it’s not needed UNTIL it is. I know a few people that have punched out rear windows when they weren’t that careful just once.

Just two days ago I had to make a tight turn on a turnout I mistakenly took. Looked back at corner of 5er a couple inches from truck window (2019 VL 5er has rounded corners etc) and was VERY glad I had Pullrite, and that it did it’s job automatically.

If I end up with another SB truck in a few years, it will also have a Pullrite installed.
alboy
Explorer
Aug 22, 2020
1 havethe Ultimate 3220 which is the lower profilealuminum one,tow a 17500lb fiver'Great hitch ,love how smooth and quiet it is,super easy to hookup.I got it used ,B/W WAS THE NEXT CHOICE,but i did install the B/W TURNOVER BALL ,GREAT PRODUCT
klr650goldwing
Explorer
Aug 22, 2020
We have a Pullrite hitch and really like it. Completely easy to hook up and disconnect. We have never had a problem of any kind.
Splashers3
Explorer
Aug 22, 2020
I had a 2008 GMC2500 D/A with the 6.5' bed. We towed a Cedar Creek Silverback for 10 years using a Husky manual slider. I NEVER had to use the slider and my trailer was very close to 90 deg. I will add, that the corners were "cut" out which provided more turning room, but I was never worried. It was comforting to know that if I needed it, I had it.

Good Luck.

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