Do I need a Sidewinder?

Well, the waiting is over. I went and brought my 5th wheel out of storage and found that the standard hitch will work. I had to move the hitch height up one notch so I don't endanger the box rails when on uneven ground. Camper/cab clearance is fine. The only issue I see is that on a sharp turn the camper pin box comes really close to the box rails. I could raise the hitch up one more notch but then the nose high condition will be worsened. As you can see in the picture it rides nose high, but it was even worse with my Dodge. No way around that.

Well I worked up the nerve and went to take my camper out of storage for the first time since I got the GMC. I needed to raise the hitch up one notch to avoid damage to the bed rails when on uneven ground, but other than that it went "without a hitch" (excuse the pun) Plenty of room between the cab and camper. Only concern is that the damper pin box comes close to the bed rails on tight turns. I could probably eliminate that issue if I raised the hitch one more click but I'm already nose high. I may end up cutting off some of the extra metal on the pin box to make room.

So to answer the question...You can tow a 5th wheel without a slider or sidewinder when you have a 5'8" box. Of course it would vary from trailer to trailer.

Auto sliders are too heavy for 1/2 tons...gotta go with something lighter that works!

You need an auto slider.

I guess I'll wait till spring and see how it goes without. I can always add it later.

I have this and use a sidewinder with great success... Much lighter than a slider, my pin weight on empty camper was 1190#. The fully loaded pin weight isn't more than a couple hundred pounds more.

RCMAN46 wrote:
...........The cost of a slider or sidewinder vs a back glass it is your call.

Not to mention the value of "Peace of mind"

The problem is for the 10% that you need it and do not have it and forget then you may get to replace a back glass in your truck.

The cost of a slider or sidewinder vs a back glass it is your call.

I had a short box on my last truck with a slider and only used it once. That was a 90 deg back in with no room in front or on the sides. That was the only time I thought it was useful. For the next 100 times I never used the slide and back right into the slots so its a personal thing. 90% of the time you won't use it....the remaining 10% is a choice....on whether you really want that spot!! LOL

Huckleby wrote:
Yes, box is 5'6". ................

Then you NEED a slider or Sidewinder.