Slider hitch necessity?

These threads come up all the time on the FW forum. It is true, that each truck/trailer is some what unique. There are some folks that get by with no slider, and some others have a real need. Just by design, some trucks work better than others, when having a 6.5 bed. IMO, GM being the best, then Ford, followed by Ram. Another opinion I have, is the driver is a variable as well. Experience is good, but some drivers are just more aware than others.

I think towing bumper pulls, even as small as utility trailers, can make a person more aware of what will happen, if you back or turn too short. How many of us have hit our boat trailer, snowmobile trailer, or travel trailer, from backing, or even turning too short. I have, but without damage, and I think it has made me more aware, towing FWs for many years.

You never read a post on travel trailers, asking how short can I turn, when backing my trailer. I am sure many hit, but do not usually have the damage involved in a FW hitting the cab.

Like most accidents, hitting your cab or trailer is likely caused from being distracted, in a hurry, pressured for what ever reason. In these cases, a slider, or better yet, a long bed truck, will help to overcome any issues.

All this being said, my back window will probably be next!

Jerry

jerem0621 wrote:
I am pretty sure you could just add a Reese Slider Base

To your current hitch

Thanks!

Jeremiah

+1 You wont need it until you hit the cab of the truck

Every set up is different: truck, fiver, hitch, pin box, etc. If you already have something, try it with a spotter. Alternatives are the B&W hitch with adjustable head and the Andersen Ultimate with rear ball and adjustable capture adapter.

Short bed Ford, had a Resse Slider hitch, didn't slide it, should have slid it, dented cab.

Dealer told me maybe, maybe not, and he makes no recommendations because every set up is different. I have a short bed and a manual slider, but have never had to slide. I can get maybe 80 degrees but would definitely have to slide to go further..

My truck bed length is about 6.5'. I have a Reese slider hitch and not sure if it's saved me while maneuvering, but when in a tricky backing situation, at least I don't have to worry about the 5er hitting my cab.

Ask this guy. Busted back window

sfpcservice wrote:
I have a short bed, non slider and a standard front end 5er. Never needed a slider. When you are backing, you will get to an angle where you are just pivoting the trailer. This will happen well before 90 degrees. Go into a parking lot and see what it takes to get your cab in danger of touching the trailer... I think you'll be surprised at how far you can go, and how much you'll never need to get the rig to 90 degrees.

This has been my experience, no need to twist your FW sideways. It is just a matter of pulling forward a little to decrease the angle, before continuing to back.

Jerry

I am pretty sure you could just add a Reese Slider Base

To your current hitch

Thanks!

Jeremiah