Short Beds w/out Sliding Hitch

Why "cheap-out" on the cost of a slider?

Great "insurance" - even if you never need it.
I have a SB with a PR SuperGlide - it (often) does what it's supposed to do!.

Also, excellent re-sale value on sliders.

Check with the trlr mfgr before using a goose-neck hitch. Many trlr mfgr's (frames) are not capable of same. (void your warranty).

BTW I've had both SB & LB pickups. I prefer the short bed.

Go with whichever is *YOUR* choice...:W

~

cattledog04 wrote:
I appreciate everyone's opinion. Not a fan of long beds, plus I'm splurging enough as it is with ordering my 2020 HD.

If your 2020HD is a Chevy or GMC, their bed is longer than most short beds. Plus, I saw a youTube video which showed a frame cutaway. The gooseneck ball mount was 2"-3" behind the centerline of the rear axle to allow for even more clearance. Apparently, they have taken 5er towing into consideration.

You very rarely need to use it, but when you do.....

GaryUT wrote:
I have a short bed GMC with a patriot slider. The dealer who installed it set as far back as it would go. The pin box will hit the tailgate when the hitch is slid back:



I have since adjusted the hitch forward 3 inches, it will just clear the tailgate on level ground. I will have to lower the tailgate to use the slider.

Gary

I have a set of chains and hardware to hold my gate open approximately 6" while the hitch is slid back. My Ram looked like it was going to clear.... someday maybe I'll replace the damaged tailgate :). I don't know that I could turn with the gate all the way open without it hitting the 5th wheel.

RCMAN46 wrote:

GaryUT wrote:
I have a short bed GMC with a patriot slider. The dealer who installed it set as far back as it would go. The pin box will hit the tailgate when the hitch is slid back:

Gary

Does your pin box clear the bed sides when you come close to a 90 degree turn?

I have plenty of clearance between the pin box and the sides of the bed, I can turn the truck to 90 degrees. When the hitch was installed the dealer set it as far back as it would go, the pivot point of the hitch was 3" behind the axle. Since the picture was taken I have adjusted the hitch to be centered over the axle, the pin box will clear the tailgate on level ground, but not by much.

Gary

Many many miles on our 2013 f 350 short bed towing a big 5th wheel. Anderson hitch no problems. Yes you have to pay attention as you don't have the radius of a long bed hitch or a slider. Unless your trying to park in super small spots with little room to move the short bed is fine. Also keep in mind that a full size PU is harder to park and manuver then a short bed when the 5ver is not behind you.

I appreciate everyone's opinion. Not a fan of long beds, plus I'm splurging enough as it is with ordering my 2020 HD.

cattledog04 wrote:
Just curious how many people don't have a sliding hitch with their shortbeds? I never used it on my old truck, and I'm trying to decide to buy another (spending more) for my HD that's on order or just get a non slider. Thoughts?

If you are going to buy another truck. Why not get a real truck that has a 8ft bed. Then you don't need a slider. Go ahead and splurge a little more and buy you a good air hitch. Then you can travel down the road in comfort. You won't be jerked around in the truck and everything in the 5th wheel will ride smoothly. Just splurge one time and you won't regret it. I did 13 years ago this month. I already had the truck. I bought I brand new Carriage 5th wheel and a 25k Air Safe Hitch. On the first trip as we are traveling down the highway. The wife said you don't even know the 5th wheel is back their. The only time something moves in the 5th wheel is if I have to make a emergency hard stop with the brakes.

cattledog04 wrote:
Just curious how many people don't have a sliding hitch with their shortbeds? I never used it on my old truck, and I'm trying to decide to buy another (spending more) for my HD that's on order or just get a non slider. Thoughts?

My opinion so feel free to ignore. If you are buying a sliding hitch, buy an auto slider. Otherwise, you will not slide the hitch when you need to. Crowded gas stations get many when going forward and trying to maneuver. Stopping when your camper is blocking traffic as you try to make a sharp turn to get to a pump, backing up to get straight so you can get out and release the slide, getting in to pull forward, getting out to lock the slide and finally getting back in to turn to get to the pump.....

Auto slide is easy and works every time without thinking about it.

GaryP,

My son has a Dodge quad-cab with that same dent. They must install them at the factory on short beds!

They are an extra cost option for my long bed Chevy.

A