I've ordered a new F250 short bed with the 5th wheel underbed hitch prep package. I've towed a 5th wheel many years with a short bed without a slider. I'm getting a new Reese Elite series hitch for the new truck and thinking whether to slide or not. It is almost a $1000 price difference between the two. I know with the nonslider that I have to be careful backing and can not turn 90 degrees. Would appreciate the experiences an opinion of other short bed owners in this regard. Thanks

The standard Reese Elite for FW prep kit, will be fairly close to the cab. IDK if the Reese itself, has any forward or back adjustment.I have a 13 250 6' 9" bed, and have no trouble turning/backing without a slider. I think it is mostly dependent, on the shape of the FW front cap. Mine is rounded, made to work with a short bed.Jerry

You know, its kinda like a 4-wheel drive. Its better to have it and not need it, rather than need it and not have it. I too have a short bed and a slider. I have used it one time and that's it. But the peace of mind knowing its there should a get in a tight spot was worth the extra cost for me. Not to mention its cheaper than a busted front cap on my rig or a big dent in the cab of my truck. Just my opinion though.

Both good points, I do have an extended pin box and the fw cap is slightly rounded at the corners which helps with The short bed,

Depends on your 5er. Newer model years have recessed front corners. Older model years tend to have squared off corners. I drive a short bed F-350 with a 2014 Bighorn and a Hensley Trailersaver TS3 air bag hitch. No issues maneuvering in some very tight spaces. I see no need to be able to turn tighter than my short box and non-slider hitch currently allow. Good luck.Lakeside

You could also look at a revolution or sidewinder pin box. Then no need for a slider no matter the shape of the front cap.

Short bed hitch ? | Good Sam Community

armyvet
Explorer
Jan 07, 2014
Both good points, I do have an extended pin box and the
fw cap is slightly rounded at the corners which helps with
The short bed,
Greene728
Explorer
Jan 07, 2014
You know, its kinda like a 4-wheel drive. Its better to have it and not need it, rather than need it and not have it. I too have a short bed and a slider. I have used it one time and that's it. But the peace of mind knowing its there should a get in a tight spot was worth the extra cost for me. Not to mention its cheaper than a busted front cap on my rig or a big dent in the cab of my truck.
Just my opinion though.
MFL
Nomad II
Jan 07, 2014
The standard Reese Elite for FW prep kit, will be fairly close to the cab. IDK if the Reese itself, has any forward or back adjustment.

I have a 13 250 6' 9" bed, and have no trouble turning/backing without a slider. I think it is mostly dependent, on the shape of the FW front cap. Mine is rounded, made to work with a short bed.

Jerry

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