Hitch recommendations

[davosfam]

Although we have our new 5th wheel, we haven't purchased a hitch as our 5th wheel was delivered for us by the dealer. We have a short bed truck and are looking for a reasonably priced hitch. This is all new to us as we have only owned pull behind trailers. Recommendations?

[N-Trouble]

The biggest downside to the auto sliders is their weight (~250lbs). I was set on getting a SG but as of late based on several positive reviews decided to go with a B&W turnoverball with the Anderson Ultimate 5th wheel at a whopping 45lbs. I know its not a replacement for a slider (close) but I really don't see myself getting into tight places where we a slider is a must have. Its also nice to know I'll never have to deal with bucking and chucking issues. And no, its not a GN so don't go there...

[davosfam]

Thank you for your help! Pullrite Superglide it is. Definitely good to have peace of mind.

[Dave_H_M]

drfife wrote:
I tow with a similar truck as the OP (standard 6.5' bed truck) with a non-sliding B&W Companion hitch.

No issues in 2 years and 20K+ miles towing.

Needing a slider depends on your truck, hitch and trailer nose cap design.

I agree, I have towed way more than one decade with three short box trucks and 4 fifth wheels without a slider. I can tell right off the bat you need a slider for peace of mind. That is what is important.

[drfife]

I tow with a similar truck as the OP (standard 6.5' bed truck) with a non-sliding B&W Companion hitch.

No issues in 2 years and 20K+ miles towing.

Needing a slider depends on your truck, hitch and trailer nose cap design.

[The_Mad_Norsky]

davosfam wrote:
We figured we would need a slider. What is the difference between manual and auto sliders?

Manual means you have to get out of the truck and operate a lever or device of some type on the hitch itself in order to get it to slide.

Auto slide means it does it all by itself.

[Bionic_Man]

I had a short bed truck for around 10 years with two different 5ers. My first 5er had an extended pin box and I never used the slider. My current trailer does not have the same clearance, and I needed the slider every time I put the trailer away.

I started with a Reese Quick Slide manual slider. It was a royal PITA as I had to drop the landing gear, remove most of the pin weight, and then slide it back. Not the easiest process. I finally upgraded to a Superglide for the last two years with my old truck. They are expensive, but worth the money to never have to think about sliding the hitch again.

[davosfam]

We figured we would need a slider. What is the difference between manual and auto sliders?

[GoPackGo]

I would also suggest that you get a MorRyde pin box. It will reduce 'chucking' to a minimum. I love mine. Around $500. morryde.com

Tim

[laknox]

davosfam wrote:
Although we have our new 5th wheel, we haven't purchased a hitch as our 5th wheel was delivered for us by the dealer. We have a short bed truck and are looking for a reasonably priced hitch. This is all new to us as we have only owned pull behind trailers. Recommendations?

I can heartily recommend the B&W Companion. They have a number of mounting options these days, as well as a slider. FWIW, my '02 D'max 4x4 CC will NOT hit my square-front FW going forward. ALL will hit going back, just some sooner than later. If you're 2wd, you may have a slightly smaller turning radius, but I don't know. You'll read about many people who sprung for a slider, then never used them, to the point that when they =did= need it, it was frozen up. B&W is also a great company to deal with, too. Personally, I chose to go with the B&W even before I knew what a great company they are, since I needed a gooseneck hitch and wanted a clean bed in addition to the FW hitch.

Lyle

[kennethwooster]

I used a Pullright SG for several years. It's a great hitch, and now the maintaince is much easier. I just bought a long bed truck that was pre ready for a hitch. I shopped for Pullright non slide, and someone recommend the b&W hitch. Both work in Fords. I checked price and the B&W was several hundred cheaper. Got the hitch and love it. They also now have a auto slider. I have had manual sliders and really don't recommend. I would look at Pullright and B&W. Some will tell you that you don't need a slider. I thought that and had to buy a new rear window. Good luck. make sure it is what you want.

[Water-Bug]

Buy a hitch that matches the towing capacity of your truck and not a hitch to match the weight of your trailer. That way you can upgrade or tow anything that your truck can handle.

EDIT With a short bed truck, you'll definitely need a slider.