I'm planning to go with a short bed "half-ton" (nay-sayers, please hold your tongue this time...already hashed that out in another thread. 🙂 )
I have looked at a fair number of youtube vids about the awesomeness of both sliding hitches and sidewinder/revolution pin-box approach to avoiding collision between trailer and rear of cab.
I can't seem to decide yet which is "better". Any of you have tried both and can compare/contrast the two approaches?
I don't know if this helps but I have a short bed on my Silverado 3500 and a B&W 20K companion pulling a 40' Montana and I have no problem with sharp turns,in fact at 90 deg. I have about 3" clearance.
MinnCamper wrote: Manual sliders here. Used it once in 15 yrs on my short box. Good insurance. Good luck
We are fairly new also but have a short bed with a 32' fiver. We have the sliding Reese with absolutely no problems at all. We have had to use it just once in an old New England CG; so our vote would be for the sliding hitch.
MinnCamper wrote: Manual sliders here. Used it once in 15 yrs on my short box. Good insurance. Good luck
We are fairly new also but have a short bed with a 32' fiver. We have the sliding Reese with absolutely no problems at all. We have had to use it just once in an old New England CG; so our vote would be for the sliding hitch.
Sidewinder here. Had it when I pulled with a short bed 2005 Dodge. Now have a long bed (8') Ram and keeping the Sidewinder. I don't understand the problem with lineup mentioned earlier. If you are mis-aligned just give the sidewinder a little push or pull right or left and line it up. I have never had a problem once I bought a brand dedicated wedge. With the standard wedge hook-up could be a bear. There is also no more instability in towing than any other 5er. The Sidewinder does the job without concern.
2017 Thor Gemini 23TR w/ 3.2 Power Stroke turbo diesel 2014 Ram 6.7 Cummins Turbo Diesel Crew Cab, Long Bed 4X4 6 Speed Auto (sold) 2013 Rockwood Signature 8281 WS w/Sidewinder Pin (sold) DW and Sofie our Black Lab /Boxer and Phoebe our Schnoodle
rreynold51 wrote: I know I read some one's comment that the sidewinder didn't work well with a B&W hitch but can't find it now. I talked with vendor and they told me they had a specific wedge for the B&W and it works great. I have a SB truck and looking at either the sidewinder or the airborne sidewinder to provide some better maneuverability. Does the airborne addition work well enough to justify the extra costs??? And anyone have any issues with the sidewinder and B&W hitch???
Thanks!
I have contacted etrailer and also B&W. The sidewinder is OK to use with the Ram (RVK3600) or the Ford Puck version. The regular companion that attaches in one place (gooseneck) is NOT recommended for using with a Sidewinder.
I have 5000 towing miles with my B&W RVK3600 hitch and Sidewinder. It works great. I did break the wedge on the sidewinder here recently, but they sent me a new one within a day. Good customer service
rreynold51 wrote: I know I read some one's comment that the sidewinder didn't work well with a B&W hitch but can't find it now. I talked with vendor and they told me they had a specific wedge for the B&W and it works great.
Question: Can a Revolution Pin Box work satisfactorily with the B&W Companion 5th Wheel hitch for a gooseneck hitch? A blog on the B&W website says no, but it doesnt seem to be and official B&W entry or statement. Just bought a new 5th wheel Skyline Walkabout 28RE w/ dry wt. of 6745. So far this combination has worked great with no indication of a problem. asked by: Gene B
Expert Reply: No, a Sidewinder or Revolution pin box cannot be used with a B&W Companion hitch that fits in the gooseneck ball hole.
The problem is that the pivot point on the trailer is locked out at the hitch and moved back 22 inches to the turret on the Revolution/Sidewinder. This creates extra stress and torque on the hitch. This extra force can end up twisting the hitch, and where it connects in the gooseneck ball hole, and can damage both.
If it was the Companion hitch that fits in the 4 pucks on the OEM Ford and Ram 5th wheel/gooseneck hitch prep packages then a Revolution or Sidewinder can be used.
You would have to have a regular 5th wheel trailer hitch installed to tow with a Revolution pin box. If you can tell me the year, make, and model of the truck and the length of the bed I can make some recommendations. However, the gooseneck hitch would have to come out to install a 5th wheel hitch. expert reply by: Michael H
I know I read some one's comment that the sidewinder didn't work well with a B&W hitch but can't find it now. I talked with vendor and they told me they had a specific wedge for the B&W and it works great. I have a SB truck and looking at either the sidewinder or the airborne sidewinder to provide some better maneuverability. Does the airborne addition work well enough to justify the extra costs??? And anyone have any issues with the sidewinder and B&W hitch???
Don't know if this helps but I have a 2015 Silverado,3500 diesel with a short bed. B&W goosneck w/ 20k companion hitch and no slider. When I did my research I was told I did not need one,and I'm pulling a 2016 3711FL Montana. They were right, I have 4 plus inches of clearance between my cab and fifth when close to 90 deg. Turn. I have not had to do a complete 90 but am sure I can with no problem.
We have a 5.5' bed and use the 5th airborne SW with our rig. Over 12000 miles towing and never a problem. Plenty of clearance and can turn over 90 deg.
'11 F150 XLT Red Candy Met. Ecoboost 4X4 Screw 5.5', Max Tow,Reese R16k 5th wheel hitch,Ride-Rite Air Springs, E Rated Tires, Extang Cover '13 Keystone Cougar X-Lite 29RES,triple slides,Mor/Ryde suspension, Reese 5th Airborne Sidewinder, 16" E rated tires
Jeff we use an etty bitty tinny tiny Ecoboost to lug our monster 5'er around and hold it to the truck with a Pullrite Superglide. What a fantastic combo to travel with regardless of what all the self proclaimed experts on here say about it.
Milo
Janet & Milo ...47 fantastic yrs 2gether :B Mona Yorkie & Buddy our beloved Beagle (both in spirit) 2013 F-150 Kodiak Brown XLT 4X4 HD Ecoboost 2014 Cougar 26sab Living under the best Government money can buy ... Bob Brinker 😉
There seems to be a lot of comments about the Sidewinder, but very little information about Pullrite Superglide. For a few hundred dollars more you will get a much better and superior product that keeps your king pin in the proper placement over your rear axle. The Superglide is very well built, automatic and you will not find a better company that will take care of you and the product for years to come even after the warranty is over.
I mistakenly bent a part (3/8" plate) in my 9+ year old 16k superglide. I was given the opportunity to purchase a rebuilt, updated Superglide hitch for a reasonably reduced price and I wasn't the original owner.
