1. I am sure this has been discussed before. I did do a search, but did not find what I am looking for.2. I know some people like vanilla and others like chocolate ice cream -- or Ford vs Chev vs Dodge so I may be opening a can of worms. I am in the process of purchasing a new RV. I have found a very good deal on a used 32 foot 5th wheel-- much better than for a TT. I have never owned a 5er only TTs, but the price on the 5er is hard to turn down.With the 5er, I will need a 5th wheel hitch for my short bed 2016 GMC 2500 crew cab diesel truck. I have looked at You Tubes and Google 5th wheel hitches and see that there are a number of different type/brand of hitches. For my TT I purchased an Hensley Arrow hitch, because I wanted the "the best" to prevent sway.I will use these brand names only as examples of what I am think about a auto-slide hitch that mounted in the bed such as the pull-right autoslide or a Reese 5th Airborne 5th Wheel Air Ride that mounts on the 5er or some other hitch air hitch or an air ride pinbox that will reduce the shock of the 5er.Your suggestions are welcome.

Many people will tell you that you don't need an auto slider and if you are infallible you don't. I still make mistakes every once in a while so I feel better with my PullRite autoslider especially after seeing a couple of truck-trailer contacts with resulting damage. A cushioned pinbox will remove a lot of the chucking movement.

Check out the Anderson Ultimate Aluminum hitch. Only weighs 35lbs vs 200+ lbs works well with short box truck. Reasonable cost $900 CDN.

My son in law with the Superglide (Pullrite) auto slider and is very satisfied. Pricey, but definitely worth it IMO.

I've pulled my 5er with a slider hitch since '03, but have never utilized the slider option. Also, I have a short box Chevy. My newer 5er is sculptured in the front corners which help those tight turns, but my older Cardinal didn't have that and I still didn't need the slider.I'm not of the opinion that the more expensive brand names insure you a better, safer ride. A average to good 5er hitch will be fine. I don't think there is a big difference in these types of hitches compared to TT hitches where you can really notice some differences. My old Huskey has been excellent for 14 years and is easy to take off and put back on. I've pulled a 5er for well more than 50K miles with my hitch west to the Rockies, east to Maine, south to the Keys, and north into Canada. For your own peace of mind get a good slider hitch. Then you won't be wondering whether you needed one. And if, in the future, you rub the tow vehicle with your 5er you're going to know for sure that you should have gotten one.

Your choice shouldn't be between an autoslider or an air ride pin box, but rather (1) an autoslider or non-sliding hitch and (2) an air ride pin box or a non-cushioned pin box. Two decisions to make, not one.With a shortbox, I would get a sliding hitch, and if you're getting a slider, get an auto slider.From my experience, I would also get an air ride pin box.

New to 5er need advice on a hitch - Autoslide vs Air Pin Box

Durb
Explorer
Jun 17, 2017
If I was doing it over and had a short bed truck I would give the Blue Ox Super Ride hitch a look. Lightweight with rubber cushioning to reduce shock plus it looks like it pivots on its base to provide clearance travel, however not automatically. Their website and ad copy are not the best regarding function.

I, like you, went from a TT to a 31' 5er with plenty of truck. Due to physics the shorter trailers chuck worse than the long ones and my initial tow with a B&W hitch was terrible. My solution ended up being a Hensley air hitch which is superb. I think they have a sliding adapter base now but you are stacking money on top of more money.

Sadly, the best way to know your trailer's towing dynamics is to hook it up and go. Hard to do without making a commitment to a hitch. Good luck with your decision and enjoy that 5th wheel.
CarnationSailor
Nomad
Jun 17, 2017
Your choice shouldn't be between an autoslider or an air ride pin box, but rather (1) an autoslider or non-sliding hitch and (2) an air ride pin box or a non-cushioned pin box. Two decisions to make, not one.

With a shortbox, I would get a sliding hitch, and if you're getting a slider, get an auto slider.

From my experience, I would also get an air ride pin box.
Parrothead_Mike
Explorer
Jun 17, 2017
I've pulled my 5er with a slider hitch since '03, but have never utilized the slider option. Also, I have a short box Chevy. My newer 5er is sculptured in the front corners which help those tight turns, but my older Cardinal didn't have that and I still didn't need the slider.

I'm not of the opinion that the more expensive brand names insure you a better, safer ride. A average to good 5er hitch will be fine. I don't think there is a big difference in these types of hitches compared to TT hitches where you can really notice some differences. My old Huskey has been excellent for 14 years and is easy to take off and put back on. I've pulled a 5er for well more than 50K miles with my hitch west to the Rockies, east to Maine, south to the Keys, and north into Canada.

For your own peace of mind get a good slider hitch. Then you won't be wondering whether you needed one. And if, in the future, you rub the tow vehicle with your 5er you're going to know for sure that you should have gotten one.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jun 17, 2017
My son in law with the Superglide (Pullrite) auto slider and is very satisfied. Pricey, but definitely worth it IMO.
Jhurk
Explorer
Jun 17, 2017
Check out the Anderson Ultimate Aluminum hitch. Only weighs 35lbs vs 200+ lbs works well with short box truck. Reasonable cost $900 CDN.
Braces
Explorer
Jun 17, 2017
Many people will tell you that you don't need an auto slider and if you are infallible you don't. I still make mistakes every once in a while so I feel better with my PullRite autoslider especially after seeing a couple of truck-trailer contacts with resulting damage. A cushioned pinbox will remove a lot of the chucking movement.

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New to 5er need advice on a hitch - Autoslide vs Air Pin Box

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