short bed - sliding hitch vs sidewinder?
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 ...
Forum Discussion
When I bought my 5er it came with a manual slider, if there was any tension on the pins, it was difficult to relase the catches to slide it.
I bought a SW/5AB and later switched to the pullrite auto slider. In my opionion the pull-rite tows much better then the SW, especially in the mountain curves. With the pivot moved back on the SW there was much more side torque felt in the rear of the PU. The wedge needs to be absolutly tight with no free play once hooked up. The factory wedge in my opinion was not built heavy enough. I finally built my own wedge that was thicker and longer to the rear to have more surface area in contact with the
5th wheel plate opening. Otherwise if there is any slop in the contact, even with less then 1/16" of an air gap I would get a sideways rocking/knock in the curves that could be felt as it hit from side to side.
Having switched to the pullrite everything is much more solid and stable, and like the SW the movement for clearance on tight turns is automatic. Especially nice if pulling off the road to a parking lot or diesel station that is tight, and not worrying if you can make the turn without sliding. Won't go back to the SW. (If any one is set on getting one I will make a good deal)
I bought a SW/5AB and later switched to the pullrite auto slider. In my opionion the pull-rite tows much better then the SW, especially in the mountain curves. With the pivot moved back on the SW there was much more side torque felt in the rear of the PU. The wedge needs to be absolutly tight with no free play once hooked up. The factory wedge in my opinion was not built heavy enough. I finally built my own wedge that was thicker and longer to the rear to have more surface area in contact with the
5th wheel plate opening. Otherwise if there is any slop in the contact, even with less then 1/16" of an air gap I would get a sideways rocking/knock in the curves that could be felt as it hit from side to side.
Having switched to the pullrite everything is much more solid and stable, and like the SW the movement for clearance on tight turns is automatic. Especially nice if pulling off the road to a parking lot or diesel station that is tight, and not worrying if you can make the turn without sliding. Won't go back to the SW. (If any one is set on getting one I will make a good deal)
