advice on 5th wheel hitch option

[mrad]

We have recently moved from a TT to a 5th wheel and will need to install a 5th wheel hitch. Originally I was going going to go the cost conscience route and put in a B&W patriot manual slider that was recommended by the local RV repair dealership. However, I am now thinking I should look long-range and probably go with a long term vision. I have read where some have had manual sliders and ended up with dents in the cab because they did not engage the slider.

I am looking for advice on what hitch I should install. The TV is a 2013 Chevrolet short box. the distance from the cab to end the tailgate when closed os 6"10 1/2".

I like the Andersson ultimate 5th wheel hitch but have read some posts where users have stated that it bends. Would appreciate all opinions

the local shop said he has a used pullrite auto glide that is being sold on consignment for $700 and could be installed for another $500 that came off the same TV I have and would not require any additional parts. Is that a fair price?

[Hammerboy]

schlep1967 wrote:

cummins2014 wrote:

schlep1967 wrote:
I've been using my Pullrite Superglide for 10 years. If you can read and follow directions, hitching and unhitching will not be a problem.
In those 10 years I have unpinned the head and lifted it off the hitch to unhook one time. I have been in that same site over a dozen times since and haven't had to do that.

Its always going to be a problem if you are not within 15 degrees . If someone enjoys unpinning the head to get unhitched ,well then go for it.

So what does it cost to pull forward 15 feet and adjust the truck straight? A lot less than a broken window.

You don't always have that option to pull ahead especially when people have their vehicles parked directly across from you. I had a Superglide for about 5 years and had to disconnect the head on more than one occasion. The other thing I didn't like is always keeping the slide bars clean and lubed, and having to have an adapter plate installed. If your paranoid about crunching your cab this hitch is for you. I am not. I wouldn't even feel comfortable torquing my fifths wheels tires and wheels that much before I would even come close to contacting my cab.

Dan

[MNRon]

Superglides are a great hitch and their customer support is top notch. It will automatically move the pin back to prevent punching out the rear window on your truck. The wrap around latch gives me peace of mind and holds well, if I have to put the truck in neutral after chalking to relieve pressure to release it I don’t find that to be a big deal. As mentioned above, in years and many thousands of miles and hundreds of campsites we’ve been VERY happy with ours and would recommend it to anyone. The straight unhitching thing isn’t as big of an issue as one would expect after using it.

To be objective, the Superglide is heavy and does cost a lot. Trade offs most of its users are comfortable with.

It’s your money, and your decision. Gather real experiences and choose what’s best for you.

[Njmurvin]

ford truck guy wrote:
2 things -
#1 - Unable to unhook on an angle.... In all the years I had my Superglide, NOT ONCE did I have an issue because of not being straight.... ..A little fore sight and planning..

#2 - unable to unlatch - .. I ONLY had this issue a few times, to correct it I would: place the trailer brakes on and hit reverse... once It am tight against the front of the hitch head, place the parking brake on an d place it into park... Get out and the handle would release 100% of the time...

Like stated before, sometimes they like to have the pressure removed from the rear of the jaws..

My experience exactly with the superglide for 16 years.

The reason I didn't move my old superglide into my new truck was that it would require 2 adapters - one to convert it to mount on standard rails and a OEM puck to standard rails adapter. Tech support at Pullrite said it would work but would probably be a little "sloppy" and that I definitely would feel it. More importantly, it would add height to the hitch which was already becoming an issue with the added height of the new truck. The OEM puck specific superglide for my truck wasn't available yet. So, I had to look at other options. I settled on the Andersen Ultimate and, so far, I like it a lot.

[cummins2014]

ford truck guy wrote:
2 things -
#1 - Unable to unhook on an angle.... In all the years I had my Superglide, NOT ONCE did I have an issue because of not being straight.... ..A little fore sight and planning..

#2 - unable to unlatch - .. I ONLY had this issue a few times, to correct it I would: place the trailer brakes on and hit reverse... once It am tight against the front of the hitch head, place the parking brake on an d place it into park... Get out and the handle would release 100% of the time...

Like stated before, sometimes they like to have the pressure removed from the rear of the jaws..

As pointed out, as you confirmed , they are glitchy. I watched my friend I know the score. Yes you can do all those things , get the truck straight , get back in the truck etc etc . They are a pricey hitch ,as said people just need to be aware of the issues .

I have had three different fifth wheel hitches , in that time period 14 years , ONCE I couldn’t pull the handle open , I had raised a little too much put a bind on it , I simplify lowered it and pulled the handle .

[ford_truck_guy]

2 things -
#1 - Unable to unhook on an angle.... In all the years I had my Superglide, NOT ONCE did I have an issue because of not being straight.... ..A little fore sight and planning..

#2 - unable to unlatch - .. I ONLY had this issue a few times, to correct it I would: place the trailer brakes on and hit reverse... once It am tight against the front of the hitch head, place the parking brake on an d place it into park... Get out and the handle would release 100% of the time...

Like stated before, sometimes they like to have the pressure removed from the rear of the jaws..

[cummins2014]

schlep1967 wrote:

cummins2014 wrote:

schlep1967 wrote:
I've been using my Pullrite Superglide for 10 years. If you can read and follow directions, hitching and unhitching will not be a problem.
In those 10 years I have unpinned the head and lifted it off the hitch to unhook one time. I have been in that same site over a dozen times since and haven't had to do that.

Its always going to be a problem if you are not within 15 degrees . If someone enjoys unpinning the head to get unhitched ,well then go for it.

So what does it cost to pull forward 15 feet and adjust the truck straight? A lot less than a broken window.

The knock here if that’s not possible to get straightened out , he!! I have pulled out numerous times at an angle , no worries not having to jockey the truck around to get unhitched . As said go for whatever you do to get unhitched . They are not an easy hitch to use , some have been unhappy with them . People need to be aware of that , they are not as great as people make them out to be .

[johndeerefarmer]

schlep1967 wrote:

johndeerefarmer wrote:
I had a Pullrite and hated it, as was said most of the time it wouldn't unlatch.
I then bought an Andersen I like it but when I put it in my F150 it put too much weight at the rear of the truck- so it's for sale if anyone wants one...
I know have a Blue Ox slider that mounts to my B&W ball.

No one has mentioned one advantage of a slider in the rear position is it make backing easier because it puts the pivot point farther back. For that reason I use the slider most of the time (unless it's a straight shot backing in to the site)

When your Pullrite wouldn't unlatch, did you try backing the truck up against the pin? The hook that goes around the back of the pin is the moving part on any fifthwheel hitch. If the truck is pulling on the pin it will be next to impossible to unhook at any angle. Chock the wheels and apply rearward pressure against the pin and unhooking will be easy. Ask any trucker how to do it.

That was 5 years ago...

My current Blue Ox slider has a latch that wraps around the pin and i have never had any trouble with it either latching or unlatching. The Pullrite gave me trouble nearly every time I used it

[schlep1967]

johndeerefarmer wrote:
I had a Pullrite and hated it, as was said most of the time it wouldn't unlatch.
I then bought an Andersen I like it but when I put it in my F150 it put too much weight at the rear of the truck- so it's for sale if anyone wants one...
I know have a Blue Ox slider that mounts to my B&W ball.

No one has mentioned one advantage of a slider in the rear position is it make backing easier because it puts the pivot point farther back. For that reason I use the slider most of the time (unless it's a straight shot backing in to the site)

When your Pullrite wouldn't unlatch, did you try backing the truck up against the pin? The hook that goes around the back of the pin is the moving part on any fifthwheel hitch. If the truck is pulling on the pin it will be next to impossible to unhook at any angle. Chock the wheels and apply rearward pressure against the pin and unhooking will be easy. Ask any trucker how to do it.

[schlep1967]

cummins2014 wrote:

schlep1967 wrote:
I've been using my Pullrite Superglide for 10 years. If you can read and follow directions, hitching and unhitching will not be a problem.
In those 10 years I have unpinned the head and lifted it off the hitch to unhook one time. I have been in that same site over a dozen times since and haven't had to do that.

Its always going to be a problem if you are not within 15 degrees . If someone enjoys unpinning the head to get unhitched ,well then go for it.

So what does it cost to pull forward 15 feet and adjust the truck straight? A lot less than a broken window.

[johndeerefarmer]

I had a Pullrite and hated it, as was said most of the time it wouldn't unlatch.
I then bought an Andersen I like it but when I put it in my F150 it put too much weight at the rear of the truck- so it's for sale if anyone wants one...
I know have a Blue Ox slider that mounts to my B&W ball.

No one has mentioned one advantage of a slider in the rear position is it make backing easier because it puts the pivot point farther back. For that reason I use the slider most of the time (unless it's a straight shot backing in to the site)

[cummins2014]

schlep1967 wrote:
I've been using my Pullrite Superglide for 10 years. If you can read and follow directions, hitching and unhitching will not be a problem.
In those 10 years I have unpinned the head and lifted it off the hitch to unhook one time. I have been in that same site over a dozen times since and haven't had to do that.

Its always going to be a problem if you are not within 15 degrees . If someone enjoys unpinning the head to get unhitched ,well then go for it.

[alboy]

JK The pins holding the head slopped out,450.00$ later,probably had closer to 50000 miles as i sold it a few years later

[schlep1967]

I've been using my Pullrite Superglide for 10 years. If you can read and follow directions, hitching and unhitching will not be a problem.
In those 10 years I have unpinned the head and lifted it off the hitch to unhook one time. I have been in that same site over a dozen times since and haven't had to do that.

[Braces]

The cut-outs on newer 5ers donot eleminate the possibility of cab-trailer contact. I have seen 2018 truck and 5er crunch while backing into a site. I have been towing 2014 montana with a 2013 Ram short bed and a Pullright auto-slider for 6 yrs and have never been unable to get straight enough to unhitch. Love my Pullrite and reduced stress from worrying as much.