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labren's avatar
labren
Explorer
Feb 28, 2015

Auto Slide or No Auto Slide - your experience

I am interested to find out how many of you with a 6ft box and a 5th wheel have actually ever had to set your manual slider back to attain more room? Is it once in a blue moon, or is it in almost every campsite?

I have a Ram 2014 3500 SB - 30.2 ft Cougar, and I have been informed that I need a slider hitch. I know the autoslide is convenient, but my brother has a manual slide and he almost never uses the slide for 6.5 ft box and a 27ft 5th, he has a Ram also.

Is the auto slide actually going to get used, or is this something I can probably do without?

Wouldn't you know it, that I need to decide soon....as I cannot get my 5th home without a hitch in the truck........you input is appreciated!

Thank you

20 Replies

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  • labren's avatar
    labren
    Explorer
    Mar 09, 2015
    JIMNLIN wrote:
    I see a TT in your profile so can we assume the 30' Cougar is new or a late model ??

    Point is many of the newer 5th wheel trailers have a notched/rounder front corner profile which eliminates the need for a sliding hitch. Do your home work there.

    I have a short bed Dodge quad cab with a manual sliding hitch. My trailer is a '97 model with a very flat square front corner profile which needs a slider on occasion.
    I use it mainly for backing up in twisty winding situations as it slides the trailers pin 11" behind my trucks rear axles. The trailer reacts quicker to steering input.

    The Reese Sidewinder and the Revolution are very popular on this and other RV websites with those that use them.


    Yes sorry, the Cougar is a brand new purchase, sitting in my yard....that I cannot move because I have no hitch yet. I have heard of those that purchased an auto slide and then it never needs to be used. My box is a 6.2 ft and the Cougar is 30.2 ft 2015. It is difficult to say. Thanks for your comments.
  • JIMNLIN's avatar
    JIMNLIN
    Explorer III
    Feb 28, 2015
    I see a TT in your profile so can we assume the 30' Cougar is new or a late model ??

    Point is many of the newer 5th wheel trailers have a notched/rounder front corner profile which eliminates the need for a sliding hitch. Do your home work there.

    I have a short bed Dodge quad cab with a manual sliding hitch. My trailer is a '97 model with a very flat square front corner profile which needs a slider on occasion.
    I use it mainly for backing up in twisty winding situations as it slides the trailers pin 11" behind my trucks rear axles. The trailer reacts quicker to steering input.

    The Reese Sidewinder and the Revolution are very popular on this and other RV websites with those that use them.
  • RollandB's avatar
    RollandB
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2015
    Ditto on the Superglide for me. I have a simular set up as Kaydeejay and it works well. I've never found the spraying the tubes with Slipplate any issue. I hit it before going to pickup out 5er and am good to go. Just before I do the final backup to connect I spray the head with a little WD40. Found mine on Craigslist.
  • kaydeejay's avatar
    kaydeejay
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2015
    crcr wrote:
    n7bsn wrote:
    I have the Superglide and it certainly is nice. It takes more maintenance then any other hitch I've owned, but it's probably worth it
    What maintenance does one have to do on the Superglide?
    You have to keep the slide rails lubed.
    On Older models, that means grease or graphite spray (Slip-Plate is recommended), later models need a shot of WD40.
    The hitch head needs a shot of lube now and again, but that's true of any hitch.
    No big deal.
    Mine is ten years old and I love it.
    Been in a few situations (mainly gas stations) where having the auto was a bonus (didn't have to stop and get out to slide manually).
    Have also pulled a few "U" turns and not had to worry.
    With a straight front fiver, the corner of my trailer would be into my truck at 60 degrees without it.
  • Krease's avatar
    Krease
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2015
    I purchased a manual slider for my mega cab. I've never had to use it on any modern day fiver.
  • msjdbman's avatar
    msjdbman
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2015
    I have the manual slider Reese in my 08 Chev with 6.5 ft box, and have never moved it to the rear manuver position with my earlier 28 ft or my current 32.5 ft fivers.
  • labren's avatar
    labren
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2015
    Do any of you use a Reese Sidewinder or Revolution? This system does away with the slider function.
  • crcr's avatar
    crcr
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2015
    n7bsn wrote:
    I have the Superglide and it certainly is nice. It takes more maintenance then any other hitch I've owned, but it's probably worth it


    What maintenance does one have to do on the Superglide?
  • n7bsn's avatar
    n7bsn
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2015
    I have the Superglide and it certainly is nice. It takes more maintenance then any other hitch I've owned, but it's probably worth it
  • benb21601's avatar
    benb21601
    Explorer
    Feb 28, 2015
    GET THE SUPERGLIDE! It's worth it to not have to worry. I towed on mine for 7 seasons without issue. Can't recommend enough.

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