I am a full blown newbie... But I am a hands on motor head who (feels like) I can drive anything (and just about have)..So now I have my TV, a 3500 Dodge DRW Mega cab (6.5' bed)... Just ordered the rail kit, looking at hitches. In doing my due diligence on everything so far, I must have read a half dozen times, guys with the slider never use them....So, is it necessary? I tend to err to the side of caution, especially on things I have no experience with. When my bud parked the trailer in my yard at home, the way he parked it with his long bed, I doubt I could have done it without a slider on a short bed....It's not a matter of being cheap, I don't mind spending the extra $300ish, but it's more stuff to have issue with and I would hate to have it and never use it. So who has and used? Who has and never uses one?

Have a slider on my short bed. Used it 3 times in 7 years but glad to have it. Think of it as added insurance when getting into tight spots, one good bump and it has paid for itself 10x.

slider not really needed on a 6.5 ft bed but it depends on trailer front cap if it is curved or flat you can also use sidewinder king pin box (reese revolution)

With 5th wheels today there's a lot of things to think about. Is the pin box extended like my Moryde, does the 5er have the side cut outs in the front, mine doesn't and what's your pocket book like. It used to be the only really auto slider was Superglide. That's what I have. Now there are others with the automatic slide. Had I given more thought about the extended pin box when I bought I may not have gone for that. However after 7 years I'm still using the same 16,000lb Superglide even though I have a long bed truck. I don't need it anymore but it's so reliable and sure locking I keep it. Do some shopping your sure going to get a lot of mixed reviews and opinions on this site. JMHO

My fifth wheel came with an extended pin box. Front cap corners on the trailer are notched out as well. Supposedly, this setup accommodates 90 degree turns....No Worry!, it says on a decal.That said, if I ever smash out my trucks rear window and ding the cab, I'll be sure to report that back here.

There are occasionally reports on here of someone knocking out their back windows or denting their cabs on a tight back in. So use your own judgement.

Slider for 5th wheel hitch, who uses them? | Good Sam Community

KCPart4
Explorer
May 30, 2014
I have the Reese 16K round tube slider on my GMC short box. I used it once and that was right after install just to see the differences in turning radius. Not a huge difference mind you, but could come in handy for real tight spots. I have not used it since. Kinda like the old saying...I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it.
cmoecmoe
Explorer
May 30, 2014
I too am new to a 5th wheel this year.

I have a 6.5' bed and installed a Pullrite Superglide. Real nice set-up. Is is automatic so I do not have to ever think about remembering to manually use the slide. It has a real distince sound when the pin is captured correctly.

I did the install into my P/U myself. Pretty eash job...

I'm glad I spent the extra money for the hitch.

CM
DesertFiver
Explorer
May 30, 2014
Short bed truck and use Sidewinder.
JIMNLIN
Explorer III
May 30, 2014
Not all short bed truck brands/year models have the same dimension from the back of the cab to the trucks rear axle so one size don't fit all here.

What does fit is if the responder has the same 6' 4" short bed Dodge truck and the same model KZ trailer in the OP picture.

I have the same 6' 4" short bed in my 2500 Dodge but my trailer is a very flat/square corner profile '97 model 5th wheel trailer and makes my manual sliding hitch a good investment. I seldom use it but its there to use in those tight backing scenarios. With the hitch in maneuver position the pin is 10" behind the trucks rear axle which makes the trailer react much quicker and less steering input.

IMO the KZ front corner profile in your pic it will benefit from a manual or auto sliding hitch.
BB_TX
Nomad
May 30, 2014
There are occasionally reports on here of someone knocking out their back windows or denting their cabs on a tight back in. So use your own judgement.
dennisgt60
Explorer
May 30, 2014
My fifth wheel came with an extended pin box. Front cap corners on the trailer are notched out as well. Supposedly, this setup accommodates 90 degree turns....No Worry!, it says on a decal.

That said, if I ever smash out my trucks rear window and ding the cab, I'll be sure to report that back here.
lat471
Explorer
May 30, 2014
With 5th wheels today there's a lot of things to think about. Is the pin box extended like my Moryde, does the 5er have the side cut outs in the front, mine doesn't and what's your pocket book like. It used to be the only really auto slider was Superglide. That's what I have. Now there are others with the automatic slide. Had I given more thought about the extended pin box when I bought I may not have gone for that. However after 7 years I'm still using the same 16,000lb Superglide even though I have a long bed truck. I don't need it anymore but it's so reliable and sure locking I keep it. Do some shopping your sure going to get a lot of mixed reviews and opinions on this site. JMHO
mikeh449
Explorer
May 30, 2014
slider not really needed on a 6.5 ft bed but it depends on trailer front cap if it is curved or flat you can also use sidewinder king pin box (reese revolution)
Helimech
Explorer
May 30, 2014
Have a slider on my short bed. Used it 3 times in 7 years but glad to have it. Think of it as added insurance when getting into tight spots, one good bump and it has paid for itself 10x.

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Slider for 5th wheel hitch, who uses them?

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