Demco Autoslide or B&W Companion Slider

jodeb720 wrote:
I recently replaced my Truck and decided it's time to upgrade my hitch at the same time.

I've narrowed my decision down to two Hitches. Demco Autoslide or B&W Companion slider.

One of my biggest complaints in my old receiver was the lack of lateral gimble from side to side.

The B&W seems to have almost no side to side movement - where as the Demco seems to have enough to align the pin to jaws without binding.

Any thoughts on either? I know the Demco I have to adjust the side guide bars each time I connect to the 5er - but that extra work will be worth it because of the lateral gimble.

Thanks!

josh

jodeb720 wrote:
OP Here,

One question - the side to side pivoting on the B&W. How much is there?

I've seen the amount of play on the Demco but not on the B&W.

More times than not it's the lateral play that I've needed because of how the truck and the 5er aren't on the same plane and you either have to shim the truck tires into the plane or trailer. Otherwise, it's difficult to get the pin in the receiver without a lot of binding.

I've used my Reese for the last 10 years - and it worked. Ironically, I've only used my manual slide 2 or 3 times in the last 10 years. Probably because I was too lazy to get out of the truck, slide it back then get back in and park. I just maneuver into position by taking my time and wiggling into my spot.

I was watching video on the demco - you can connect beyond the 10 degrees, but you'll need to remove the side adjustments first, then connect (without the autoslide option) and then reconnect the parts after you're connected and aligned.

All of these hitches are far heavier than what I had in the past. I'm guessing a trip to harbor freight for a lift to pull/put the hitch in and out of the truck is in my future. good thing there's a veterans day sale on!

Thanks again

josh