Dtank wrote:
cummins2014 wrote:
Sande wrote:
We have a 3500 RAM drw shortbed which we currently use with our artic fox 811 camper.
We are thinking about getting a 5th wheel and also keeping the camper for some trips.
Is there a sliding 5th wheel hitch that can easily be taken off the truck in order to slide in the camper?
A sliding hitch , no not a *chance* unless you have some sort of hoist , or taking it apart . Turnover ball , and the Andersen hitch . Clean bed when removed . Also easily removed by one person .
Depending on the brand, model and *weight* of the slider, you may need "some sort of hoist".
I have a Pullrite SuperGlide - it's heavy! However I *easily* remove it from the bed of my SB pickup with what I like to call the "one finger" lift.
I use a HF electric hoist. One finger to push the up/down button. Lift it out of the bed, lower unto a furniture dolly, roll it into the garage. Obviously, the reverse to place back in the bed.
In -or out- takes all of 5 minutes.
BTW - The HF hoist has also been invaluable for other tasks as well.
~
I got another one of those HF hoist in the ceiling of my garage for that exact purpose if you need another . I really don't have much use for it these days. :B I may find a use for it , most of my projects certainly don't require an 800 lb hoist.
I agree its personal preference . I am assuming you read the OP's question. He got an honest answer from me. I have been thru all this, the hoist the heavy sliding hitch etc etc. To do it right , the hoist itself is a task . I have pretty high ceiling in the garage ,did some bracing in the attic, then there is the mounting of the hoist. Then there is the question , do you run an extension cord to it ,or can you access some where to hard wire. So lets not sugar coat the hoist here . Its not just a matter of running down to your local Harbor Freight buying a hoist ,and magically you are in business . 5 minutes job ,ya I guess never timed it . Lets not forget some sort of dolly or stand. Or do you just leave it under the hoist . Then rolling it some where in the garage to get it out of the way .
Partially right ,yes .I didn't need a hoist ,just take them apart ,thats what I did for awhile ,that grew a bit tiresome , or getting someone to help take it out in one piece.
I don't care what ones choice is getting a hitch. Often wrong, I suppose in your eyes, with my choice of hitches I am .I see you do have the Superglide ,and to be honest I nearly bought one . My friend ,and neighbor had one. He didn't have a hoist, so I got the pleasure of helping him with his :) That was always fun . :R I honestly entertained the thought of keeping his Superglide in my garage ,and using my hoist. I was pretty happy when he got tired of the hitching issues of the Superglide , he had an angle getting his fifth wheel parked ,and it was difficult to get the truck straight enough for the Superglide to release . Yes that should be mentioned when considering a PullRite Superglide ,they don't release if at too much of an angle.
To sum this up, my question to you is, how many miles have you towed with a rail mount Andersen . I have towed thousands now at this point ,along with thousands of miles with a heavy somewhat noisy manual sliding hitch, that required a hoist , or getting help ,or taking apart . Been there done that ,don't need too now. To call someone wrong ,would require having the hitch in question ,and then explaining why its wrong to have said hitch .
