Hitch recommendations

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...

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.