I don't come around here these days much....

[Fabguy]

Due to so many repeat posts about RV common sense stuff....

But... I my wife and I are making the switch from our 2004 Keystone Sprinter 24RLS travel trailer to a 2015 Cougar 280RLSWE 5er in a couple of weeks.

We think it's time to make the move. Our beloved Sprinter is getting on in years. Needs new awning fabric, could use a new shower curtain, the propane tanks are getting close to requiring being re certified or replaced. We just put new tires on her.... And next weekend we will be taking her on her last outing with us. Packing boxes to move into our new one.

I have never had or used a 5er before and I am looking forward to the experience but I am somewhat apprehensive in my knowledge of the operation of hitch itself. I have been using the Reese Straightline on my travel trailer since day one and I know that system inside out.

Part of the purchase agreement on the 5er included the Pullrite 18000 lb auto slider. Any input on this hitch?

[Dustytuu]

Congratulations on the new 5th wheel. It is exciting getting a new camper.
Wishing you many great times with the new 5th wheel.

[Fabguy]

We picked her up this last Saturday and love it!

[Fabguy]

I'm still here....

Just sitting back, reading the responses, learning and eating popcorn.

[Mile_High]

RRinNFla wrote:
A lot of interesting comments about common sense (which isn't common) but not a lot of answers to OP's question. So, hopefully, some common sense answer.

Probably just the attitude the OP started with that got the him the responses he got. He kind of opened with everyone else's questions being trivial which is why he hasn't been around much.

[pennysmom09]

RRinNFla wrote:
A lot of interesting comments about common sense (which isn't common) but not a lot of answers to OP's question. So, hopefully, some common sense answer.

I have an older pullrite, and unless they have changed design significantly, you will need a "capture plate" on your hitch pin. The capture plate is a triangular piece which causes the hitch to turn when you turn the TV, so that the mechanism can engage when you turn too far, and cause the hitch to slide back.

The other thing I would note is that you need to ease the forward tension from the tow vehicle to free up the hitch to release. Once I have the trailer where I want it, I do this by lowering the landing gear, extend the gear until all the weight is on the gear (I see a small gap between the hitch plate and pin plate). Then I get in the TV and put it in reverse while on the brake, slowly release the brake and let the TV rock back slightly. Then jerk the handle to release the hitch.


As a prior poster suggested, when you re-hitch, you get a positive click which is good confirmation that the hitch is secure, but like the prior post, I always double check with the tug test before I raise the landing gear.

It's the only hitch I have ever owned, and I think I am spoiled. It is a great product.

Yes, I agree with all of this. the resounding click when it completely hitches is very satisfying. Funny, since this was our first fiver and superglide, the capture plate was just standard for us. Unhitching is a little trickier than hitching and it does take a little practice. There have been times when we have had to try a few things to get it to release....putting TV in reverse and/or adjust front jacks. The first few times were very frustrating, but now we can get it in a reasonable time.

[RRinNFla]

A lot of interesting comments about common sense (which isn't common) but not a lot of answers to OP's question. So, hopefully, some common sense answer.

I have an older pullrite, and unless they have changed design significantly, you will need a "capture plate" on your hitch pin. The capture plate is a triangular piece which causes the hitch to turn when you turn the TV, so that the mechanism can engage when you turn too far, and cause the hitch to slide back.

The other thing I would note is that you need to ease the forward tension from the tow vehicle to free up the hitch to release. Once I have the trailer where I want it, I do this by lowering the landing gear, extend the gear until all the weight is on the gear (I see a small gap between the hitch plate and pin plate). Then I get in the TV and put it in reverse while on the brake, slowly release the brake and let the TV rock back slightly. Then jerk the handle to release the hitch.

As a prior poster suggested, when you re-hitch, you get a positive click which is good confirmation that the hitch is secure, but like the prior post, I always double check with the tug test before I raise the landing gear.

It's the only hitch I have ever owned, and I think I am spoiled. It is a great product.

[aruba5er]

Ya, I'd trade because it needs an awning fabric, a shower curtian and the propane tanks recertified. Lets see $350 for awning fabric, a new shower curtain $8, and let's buy New tanks at $75 each. $508 and you don"t have any payments, and you know how to use your trailer and how to back it up. They are easier than a fiver. Just saying. I don't like easy monthly payments.

[aruba5er]

Ya, I'd trade because it needs an awning fabric, a shower curtian and the propane tanks recertified. Lets see $350 for awning fabric, a new shower curtain $8, and let's buy New tanks at $75 each. $508 and you don"t have any payments, and you know how to use your trailer and how to back it up. They are easier than a fiver. Just saying. I don't like easy monthly payments.

[jffnkrn]

Agree, agree, agree. I have asked multiple questions, multiple times. We are all here in this together and if we don't want to read, answer, comment or be a part of a topic, we just move on. So keep asking questions, we will answer if we can, we will comment if w like and for me the answers are based on my knowledge of my situation and that's how we learn. So again, Congrats! ! ! Good Luck & Be safe ! ! !

[RollandB]

I've had a Superglide in use for a little over a year and every tip I hear it make the clank sound of being hitched I smile. Still double check it though. You will learn quickly just how easy it operates.

[dennyida]

I have always told people ,"the only dumb question is the one that is not asked" so keep asking questions about anything on rv things here. There are super people on these forums. HAPPY TRAVELS

[RVcrazy]

Love ours! It's nice not to need to worry if a turn is "too tight." One thing I will mention is that we need to be within 16% of straight to hitch & unhitch. This makes some c-shaped pull throughs unusable. Be sure you have at least 6" of bed clearance from your truck to the bottom of your fifth wheel overhang, 7 is better! When going over speed bumps, down driveways, and over troughs for storm drainage, you will be much happier...

[DownTheAvenue]

Fabguy wrote:
Our beloved Sprinter is getting on in years. Needs new awning fabric, could use a new shower curtain, the propane tanks are getting close to requiring being re certified or replaced.

Needing a new shower curtain certainly is reason enough to trade! WOW! I thought I made up stuff to justify my purchases!

[lynndiwagon]

Enjoy your new 5th wheel trailer. Yes, the post would have been just as effective without the "common sense" comment. I've answered the same questions many times for folks, without complaint. I bet you will want to investigate the many posts regarding tires, pin weight, GVWR, etc. on this forum. Peace.....