Slider hitch or regular

I've used my slide 3 times in 7 years, but think of it as insurance. It's cheaper than a bumped nose. It is very helpful when you need to make that tight turn. If you're careful you will probably never us it, but then.......

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A manual slider is not a whole lot more than a standard hitch.

An auto slider would be a bigger expense.

Only way to know for sure (if you need a slider) would be to hear from someone who has the *same* truck & trailer.

IMO - if you can't get a definitive answer (from an owner of your combo), go with a manual slider.

Cheap insurance.

Also.....you can always:
Keep it - even if you don't need it.
Sell it and move *up* to an auto slider - or *down* to a standard hitch.

Lastly - ask that salesman to give you a demo (with his or someone else's truck & trlr)..:W

~

We got a great deal on the Pullrite auto slide at the time of purchasing 5er. Can you try and negotiate a better price on the hitch seeing how you are buying the 5er?

GM trucks normally have good cab clearance, with the 6.5 bed.

The newer FWs that are designed to work with the short bed also give good clearance.

I have not used a slider with my last two Fords, due to good clearance.

If you are used to backing a TT, you know you need to pay attention, so your bumper doesn't hit the TT.

I would get a quality hitch, but agree with the sales person, you don't need to have a slider.

Welcome to the forum!!

Jerry

I have a 2012 GMC 3500HD with a 6.5' bed.

I tow an Excel Winslow 5th wheel with a standard B&W Companion hitch.

20K miles towing without incident.

With my combo I feel no need for a sliding hitch.

My setup is similar but I went ahead & bought a slider on my Curt hitch--all it takes is one time to need it....so far I haven't but...

I have a 2500 Chevy, and use a Curt hitch with a slider. Not sure is a must but is good to know I have it if necessary.

Get a slider.Dont need it till you need it.I wouldnt want to find out I needed a slider when the nose hits my cab.Jmo

teschman wrote:
Just bought a Silverado 3500HD crew cab 6.6 foot bed. We are also buying a Keystone Laredo 329RE that claims to have Max Turn Technology. The salesman says we don't need a slider a waste of money. But from everything I've read you should always use a slider on a short bed. We were trailer pullers before and this was never an issue. Advice would be appreciated as sales guys are interested in one thing "making the sale"

Your 6.6 foot bed is not a short bed its a standard bed. Short beds are a foot shorter usually and long beds are 8 foot.

I have a 2012 Ram 2500. I measure 6'6" from the back of the cab to the inside of the tailgate.

I just purchased a B&W Companion hitch ( non sliding ) and a 2014 Cougar 330rbk with max turn technology.

Backing into my driveway I had to turn past 90 degrees to get in.

So in my application I do not need a slider.

teschman wrote:
We are also buying a Keystone Laredo 329RE that claims to have Max Turn Technology. The salesman says we don't need a slider a waste of money.

ask the salesman and dealership if he will put a promise in writing along with a commitment to repair, at no charge, any damage that might to be caused to the truck and/or camper for so long as you own them

Jim