Manual or Auto Sliding Hitch

[boshog]

Since I lack experience pulling a fifth wheel I wanted to throw this out to the experienced for opinions. My problem is I have bumped the cab of my truck twice with the RV cap while maneuvering the fifth wheel into a camp site. I have had enough of that. While there is ample room between the cab and cap for normal driving, it isn't there for 90 degree turns.

So I did a bit of research looking at manual sliders and auto-sliders and came to these two solutions because they both allow me to set the hitch height to 16 (where I am at now and level) inches from the bed, both are American made, and both are well reviewed and respected.

Demco 18K auto-slider.
B&W Patriot 18K manual slider.

To go to the auto-slider is about $360 more than the manual slider. Is using a manual slider a pain when you have to deploy it and then return it for travel? Any negatives with using an auto-slider?

Thanks.

[boshog]

Since I can't find any negatives using an auto-slider (or a manual one outside of the effort to deploy it) looks like the Demco is my solution since I don't have to remember to slide. I should have been more clear in my OP, it isn't about the cost delta between manual and auto, I was looking for the negatives in using either.

Thanks for the feed-back.

[southernsky]

What is the price to pay for piece of mind. I don't even think about hitting my truck with my trailer when backing. You hit your's twice....no brainer

[djousma]

Just bought the demco 21K slider that attaches to the Ford underbed mounts. Still awaiting delivery of the 5th in my signature.

[Irish2]

The extra expense for an auto slider is well worth.

[Me_Again]

I have the B&W RVK3270 manual slider and it works well. I like how the B&W jaws work and lock/release works. I always slide it as the front bed box prevents the release handle from swinging all the way open in the tow position. So at check-in I slide it back. Leaving I slide it forward after straighting out on the street.

I went manual based on issues connecting at an angle with most auto sliders and wanting space to fit my two existing boxes in a short bed. Chris

[alboy]

I have the 18k HIjacker/Demco autoslide,9 yrs old ,great hitch.This would still be my personal choice over a superglide because of its simplicity of operation,both are good products.

[Allworth]

Turning 90 degrees is vastly over-rated. All you can do with the truck in that position is damage the suspension on the trailer by pushing the wheels sideways!

[ford_truck_guy]

I have never regretted the money i spent for my auto sliding Super Glide...

[Greentreena]

I've never regretted the autoslide.

[time2roll]

Get the auto slider.

[Calicajun]

To me, if you have already dented your cab and cap twice and paid to have them repaired. Then spending the extra $360.00 for an auto sliding hitch that you can't forget to turn on is a no brainier to me.

The auto slider is what we plan to get for our short bed truck as soon as we upgrade to a 5th wheel from our smaller TT.