New to 5th wheels - hitch Qs

As to wether you need a slider or not depends on how sharp you can turn and what predicaments you get into.

I have owned an auto slider Superglide it can be an issue hooking and unhooking. It has a capture plate and you only have about 10 degrees of misalignment.

I now have a B&W companion slider. I like this one the best out of the 2. Although I have it for 3 years I have never needed to use the slider.

You will find out different opinions, so good luck deciding.
Safe travels.

Does your truck have the puck system? Some will say get the slider to be safe. Some that have a slider never use it. The Ram trucks have the shortest distance from axle center to back of cab. With the newer rounded front FWs, you may not NEED a slider, but depends on your awareness, when turning/backing. I've towed a FW a long time, but since 1999 with a Ford 6.75 bed. I've never used a slider, or had any incident because of using a non-sliding hitch.

Jerry

Thank you, both of you. I do not know when I would need that level of angle of turn. If Im turning that tight, that almost seems as if I put myself in that position wrongly.

I do not have the puck system. Im also selling the trailer at the end of the summer. But I want safety obviously and ease of use if I keep the hitch. I do not know if I can transfer the hitch to a later truck.

The Ram box does seem short but the dealer believes I do not need a slider.

Just talked to the dealership

They want $1700 to install a non slider Curt Q20 hitch

I have used short box trucks without a slider for years and have not yet had a problem.... You have to be mindful of your turning angle. I would not waste my money on a manual slider.... Either get a standard hitch or go full auto slide. I use a B&W and I'm very happy with it.

With a little care you almost certainly can get by without a slider. However, that “almost” can get really expensive! It’s worth the price even if you never need it.

gimpsta wrote:
Just talked to the dealership

They want $1700 to install a non slider Curt Q20 hitch

We just bought and brought home our first 5th wheel. At the end of the negotiations I said throw in the Andersen hitch and the B&W hide a ball and you have a deal. They said there was no way that they could do that. We got up and walked out. We weren't 1/2 way home and the phone rang with them telling us to come back. Honestly, I would have settled with them splitting it with me.

gimpsta wrote:
Just talked to the dealership

They want $1700 to install a non slider Curt Q20 hitch

For your Ram 3500 no pucks, so likely using rails, I would go with the B&W Patriot 18K hitch. It is a safe, very user friendly hitch, that can be purchased at E-trailer for about $675 free shipping. Most any truck trailer shop will do the install for $250-300.

Go to E-trailer, watch their video of this hitch. It is top quality! As you will see, it is easily adjusted up/down, and ahead back, which will help with the 6.4 bed.

Jerry

gimpsta wrote:
Just talked to the dealership

They want $1700 to install a non slider Curt Q20 hitch

Do they offer LUBE with that price???

Cummins12V98 wrote:

gimpsta wrote:
Just talked to the dealership

They want $1700 to install a non slider Curt Q20 hitch

Do they offer LUBE with that price???

OUCH!!! I hope so!:E

Jerry