Forum Discussion

jffnkrn's avatar
jffnkrn
Explorer
Aug 17, 2014

FifthWheel Hitch

Good Day to all! Asking for help. I am in the process of getting a fifth wheel and with all the previous help, we will not be over weight, over sized etc. Now for the hitch, and yes it will be rated at the proper weight ratings or over. I have been told that I may need a slider hitch, which is fine with me, just need to know pro's and con's of them. I am trying to keep this cost more minimal and don't need to have an expensive one just to keep up with the big boys. So truck is a 2010 GMC Sierra 4 X 4 extended cab, regular six and a half foot bed. I have an auxiliary tank box in the back and has been professionally installed so installation will be fine. So there ya go, give me your input! Thanks! Good Luck & Be Safe ! ! !
  • notruffinit's avatar
    notruffinit
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2014
    I have owned a Reese 16K slider for 8 years and it has come in handy a number of times when I really needed to make a corner. But it is going and being replaced by a new PullRight SuperGlide. I have waited a long time for the switch over. I should have owned it sooner because the body work fix from turning too short before I got the hitch reset would have paid for the new hitch. I love the idea that I will not need to worry about those short turns in a crowded lot.
  • romore's avatar
    romore
    Explorer II
    Aug 17, 2014
    The length of the pin box and trailer nose design will determine if you need a slider. I managed to punch out the back window with our previous unit, the current one is fine. Measure the trailer and truck before purchasing.
    We have a slider but it is basic, the pins need to be lifted individually to move the hitch. I can't reach them with the trailer hooked up so it is pretty much useless if sliding is needed.
  • korbe's avatar
    korbe
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2014
    I have a 6.5' bed and installed a Reese Manual slider hitch. Easy to use, and even though I've never been in a bind where I needed it, I will usually slide it to maneuver mode when getting ready to back it into a space.
  • kaydeejay's avatar
    kaydeejay
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2014
    jffnkrn wrote:
    .................So truck is a 2010 GMC Sierra 4 X 4 extended cab, regular six and a half foot bed. I have an auxiliary tank box in the back and has been professionally installed so installation will be fine. So there ya go, give me your input! Thanks! Good Luck & Be Safe ! ! !
    I really hope that truck is not a 1500 or you really will have problems staying under your ratings with other than a very small fiver!
  • houstonstroker's avatar
    houstonstroker
    Explorer
    Aug 17, 2014
    The slider option depends on the truck and 5th wheel combo. I have a short bed Ford and a slider. Never used it. My buddy has a short bed Chevy, no slider and has never been in a situation where he needed one. I have a Reese, he has a B&W. You said minimal cost so that rules out a auto slider. Check out the Sidewinder or an extended pinbox. You really need to ask someone with your exact truck and 5th wheel combo what they use.

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