I keep reading that the newer 5ers have a redesigned nose with curved sides so that you don't need a slider hitch on a short bed truck. My Ram has the 6.5 bed so I was wondering if I need a slider with certain models or if the newer ones eliminate the need for the slider hitch.

It depends on your truck and trailer. I had a short bed and did fine with my 5th wheel but had to be very careful when turning. I never had a problem but also didn’t turn a few times because I knew I’d have a problem.

We just did research on this as we just purchased a second F350 with a shortbed (still have the DRW in my signature too). As my signature states, our rig is a 2020 Montana High Country, with a curved front. It would be nice to use this new truck for trips to places like South Dakota where we want to go park "in town" to do stuff and don't want to deal with the dually's size.We determined that we could get by without a slider hitch in certain circumstances, but the last time we were in SD, the park we stayed at put us in a spot that was plenty long, but still required us to jacknife the truck to get the camper in (road narrowed and turned right there, with a post in the way). We would not have been able to park in a spot like that with a short bed and no slider.So I think it comes down to where you want to camp, and the type of camping you do. If you tend to stay in nicer "big rig" friendly campgrounds with easy pull through spots, you're fine. But if you tend to camp in places with tigher spots, might want to look into the slider.

Been RVing with fifth wheels and short beds without sliders for 25 years with nary a problem.And BTW, the rounded corners on fifth wheels is not a late developing concept, has been here a while. I have never heard of 90 degree jacking a 5er and continuing on with the jack. That only takes place on the keyboard or down at spot whatever where the stories al start with one upon a time. :BAnd if my day is coming it better hurry since I am pushing 80.

Answer is yes and no. I have towed different 5ver with a Dodge short bed and Ford short bed trucks without using a slider. I did damage the cab of the Dodge backing into my driveway. I did not slide the slider back because I had done it many times before without using the slider. This time when the truck went into the small dip at the beginning of my driveway, the trailer hit the cab of the truck. I now tow with a short Bed Ford and B&W hitch that is not a slider and have never had a problem, but I sure do pay attention. The unlevel terrain will cause more trouble than the sharp turns.

I have a short bed with a slider. In 10 years I have only had to use the slider about 5 times. Doesn't sound much, but when you need it you need it, so my view is that for the few extra bucks go for a slider.

Newer 5ers, Slider Hitch Required For Short Beds?

Hammerboy
Explorer
Jan 27, 2021
cummins2014 wrote:
Ron3rd wrote:
Gonna go with the Superglide auto slider

I hope you did your homework on the Superglide, and the limitations on hitching ,unhitching . Had a friend grow tired of it after couple years ,and got rid of it ,that and the weight to deal with. Hopefully you are aware of all this, they are not cheap .

I had the Superglide on a previous truck and fifth about 15 years or so ago and had it for about 4-5 years before I parted ways with it. Quality built hitch but I grew tired of the limitations of hitching and unhitching as well. I think it was like 7 degrees or so in either direction or you would have to disconnect the head from the rest of the hitch and the same for hooking back up if you cannot get a relatively straight shot. Not to mention I was always cleaning and lubing the slide tubes.

My current rig I have a 18K BW Patriot non slider with my shortbed which I like much much better. This past spring I idled my slider base and purchased a fixed base off Marketplace as I never used the slider function in any sort of turn. The only downside of course is the potential to kiss the cab but in the 5 years with our current rig I cant say I've ever been close, just have to be aware. The 18K Patriot I have now is also much lighter which means I can easily remove it by myself in (head pops off by simply grabbing the handles) without help or the aid of a winch. When I had my slider I used a cheap Harbor Freight electric winch to lift it out.

Cannot say enough good about B&W, well designed and build quality, built here in America and a great company that stands behind their products.

Dan
cummins2014
Explorer
Jan 27, 2021
Ron3rd wrote:
Bayley wrote:
Ram short bed and an Andersen ultimate hitch over a B&W turn over ball and your worries are over. I have jacked pretty hard at times and never come close to the cab.

Just ordered the Andersen. Went with the standard rail kit though.

Great choice .
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jan 26, 2021
Bayley wrote:
Ram short bed and an Andersen ultimate hitch over a B&W turn over ball and your worries are over. I have jacked pretty hard at times and never come close to the cab.

Just ordered the Andersen. Went with the standard rail kit though.
Bayley
Explorer
Jan 25, 2021
Ram short bed and an Andersen ultimate hitch over a B&W turn over ball and your worries are over. I have jacked pretty hard at times and never come close to the cab.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jan 22, 2021
I do have interest in the Anderson too
schlep1967
Nomad
Jan 22, 2021
Ron3rd wrote:
Gonna go with the Superglide auto slider

You won't regret it.
I saw a New Dodge with a new 5th wheel. The new Dodge had a nice new dent in the back corner of the cab.
Ron3rd
Explorer III
Jan 22, 2021
cummins2014 wrote:
Ron3rd wrote:
Gonna go with the Superglide auto slider

I hope you did your homework on the Superglide, and the limitations on hitching ,unhitching . Had a friend grow tired of it after couple years ,and got rid of it ,that and the weight to deal with. Hopefully you are aware of all this, they are not cheap .

I've used the hitch before with no problems. Two friends have the hitch with no problems. I'm familiar with the Superglide
Ranger431
Explorer
Jan 22, 2021
I’ve got a short bed F350 and a 2020 Jayco Eagle I have a manual slider, and am very glad I do. I don’t need to use it all the time, but there are a few tight spots I’ve been in that I was very glad I had it. The manual is a little bit of a pain, but much less of an inconvenience than replacing a back window.
MFL
Nomad II
Jan 19, 2021
Curly2001 wrote:
Just one more note, make sure of your bed/hitch height before you go with a slider. My trailer really doesn't need the slider but I thought I had to have one. The slider will add to your hitch height and it could make your trailer nose high. I had that issue with mine. Got rid of the slider and so far we are good.
Curly

Ha, famous last words. Just kidding, glad a non-slider works for you! Having a GM is a big help, due to the longer than other brands distance, from axle center, to rear of cab.

I've towed with several 6.75 bed Fords, and a couple different FWs, while never having a slider hitch. No problem so far, and been working fine since 99.

Jerry
Curly2001
Explorer II
Jan 19, 2021
Just one more note, make sure of your bed/hitch height before you go with a slider. My trailer really doesn't need the slider but I thought I had to have one. The slider will add to your hitch height and it could make your trailer nose high. I had that issue with mine. Got rid of the slider and so far we are good.
Curly

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