Newbie to 5th wheel arena.I'm in the throes of figuring out my next rig.I'm planning to go with a short bed "half-ton" (nay-sayers, please hold your tongue this time...already hashed that out in another thread. :) )I have looked at a fair number of youtube vids about the awesomeness of both sliding hitches and sidewinder/revolution pin-box approach to avoiding collision between trailer and rear of cab.I can't seem to decide yet which is "better". Any of you have tried both and can compare/contrast the two approaches?

Not sure if this will help you, but with my last SB truck, I had a manual slider and used it just a couple of times in the course of 11 years. If I was to get another slider, I'd go w/ an auto one such as the Sidewinder or Pullright(?). Have never gotten myself into a situation where I really needed the slider. May have to make a few more "pull aheads", but thing is to NOT get so tight on a turn that your in a heck of a predicament. I'm over 50' in length.

do yourself a favor get the sidewinder

newman fulltimer wrote:do yourself a favor get the sidewinderok, tell me more :@

Manual sliders here. Used it once in 15 yrs on my short box. Good insurance. Good luck

JeffPritchard wrote:newman fulltimer wrote:do yourself a favor get the sidewinderok, tell me more :@ the sidewinder is much simpler less weight that a slider less headache whendriving or backing.cost less that a slider.When at a sight you can swing it out of the way

short bed - sliding hitch vs sidewinder? | Good Sam Community

Curlida
Explorer
Nov 22, 2015
I don't know if this helps but I have a short bed on my Silverado 3500 and a B&W 20K companion pulling a 40' Montana and I have no problem with sharp turns,in fact at 90 deg. I have about 3" clearance.
AlmostBoatless
Explorer
Nov 14, 2015
MinnCamper wrote:
Manual sliders here. Used it once in 15 yrs on my short box. Good insurance. Good luck

We are fairly new also but have a short bed with a 32' fiver. We have the sliding Reese with absolutely no problems at all. We have had to use it just once in an old New England CG; so our vote would be for the sliding hitch.

Good luck!
AlmostBoatless
Explorer
Nov 14, 2015
MinnCamper wrote:
Manual sliders here. Used it once in 15 yrs on my short box. Good insurance. Good luck

We are fairly new also but have a short bed with a 32' fiver. We have the sliding Reese with absolutely no problems at all. We have had to use it just once in an old New England CG; so our vote would be for the sliding hitch.

Good luck!
mountainsam
Explorer
Nov 14, 2015
Sidewinder here. Had it when I pulled with a short bed 2005 Dodge. Now have a long bed (8') Ram and keeping the Sidewinder. I don't understand the problem with lineup mentioned earlier. If you are mis-aligned just give the sidewinder a little push or pull right or left and line it up. I have never had a problem once I bought a brand dedicated wedge. With the standard wedge hook-up could be a bear. There is also no more instability in towing than any other 5er. The Sidewinder does the job without concern.
gtsum
Explorer
Nov 13, 2015
rreynold51 wrote:
I know I read some one's comment that the sidewinder didn't work well with a B&W hitch but can't find it now. I talked with vendor and they told me they had a specific wedge for the B&W and it works great. I have a SB truck and looking at either the sidewinder or the airborne sidewinder to provide some better maneuverability. Does the airborne addition work well enough to justify the extra costs??? And anyone have any issues with the sidewinder and B&W hitch???

Thanks!

I have contacted etrailer and also B&W. The sidewinder is OK to use with the Ram (RVK3600) or the Ford Puck version. The regular companion that attaches in one place (gooseneck) is NOT recommended for using with a Sidewinder.

I have 5000 towing miles with my B&W RVK3600 hitch and Sidewinder. It works great. I did break the wedge on the sidewinder here recently, but they sent me a new one within a day. Good customer service
RustyJC
Explorer
Nov 13, 2015
rreynold51 wrote:
I know I read some one's comment that the sidewinder didn't work well with a B&W hitch but can't find it now. I talked with vendor and they told me they had a specific wedge for the B&W and it works great.

Here's what etrailer says about that:

Question:
Can a Revolution Pin Box work satisfactorily with the B&W Companion 5th Wheel hitch for a gooseneck hitch? A blog on the B&W website says no, but it doesnt seem to be and official B&W entry or statement. Just bought a new 5th wheel Skyline Walkabout 28RE w/ dry wt. of 6745. So far this combination has worked great with no indication of a problem.
asked by: Gene B

Expert Reply:
No, a Sidewinder or Revolution pin box cannot be used with a B&W Companion hitch that fits in the gooseneck ball hole.

The problem is that the pivot point on the trailer is locked out at the hitch and moved back 22 inches to the turret on the Revolution/Sidewinder. This creates extra stress and torque on the hitch. This extra force can end up twisting the hitch, and where it connects in the gooseneck ball hole, and can damage both.

If it was the Companion hitch that fits in the 4 pucks on the OEM Ford and Ram 5th wheel/gooseneck hitch prep packages then a Revolution or Sidewinder can be used.

You would have to have a regular 5th wheel trailer hitch installed to tow with a Revolution pin box. If you can tell me the year, make, and model of the truck and the length of the bed I can make some recommendations. However, the gooseneck hitch would have to come out to install a 5th wheel hitch.
expert reply by: Michael H
rreynold51
Explorer
Nov 13, 2015
I know I read some one's comment that the sidewinder didn't work well with a B&W hitch but can't find it now. I talked with vendor and they told me they had a specific wedge for the B&W and it works great. I have a SB truck and looking at either the sidewinder or the airborne sidewinder to provide some better maneuverability. Does the airborne addition work well enough to justify the extra costs??? And anyone have any issues with the sidewinder and B&W hitch???

Thanks!
billkaufmann
Explorer
Oct 15, 2015
newman fulltimer wrote:
do yourself a favor get the sidewinder

X2
Curlida
Explorer
Oct 09, 2015
Don't know if this helps but I have a 2015 Silverado,3500 diesel with a short bed. B&W goosneck w/ 20k companion hitch and no slider. When I did my research I was told I did not need one,and I'm pulling a 2016 3711FL Montana. They were right, I have 4 plus inches of clearance between my cab and fifth when close to 90 deg. Turn. I have not had to do a complete 90 but am sure I can with no problem.
kzspree320
Explorer
Oct 04, 2015
busmanns wrote:
I use a pull-rite and love it never having to think about anything just back up or turn any turn.

X2. Love our super glide, but it is a heavy hitch at almost 200# if you have a half ton and weight is an important consideration.

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short bed - sliding hitch vs sidewinder?

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