Short bed truck missing back window

[schlep1967]

Went to a local campground this weekend. Saw a short bed Dodge with plastic over the back window. I eventually got a chance to talk to the driver. He is new to towing a fifth-wheel. Had a manual sliding hitch in the truck. But didn't think he needed to slide it before backing into his site. He actually got lucky as he didn't hit the cab at all. Just broke out the window. It will only cost him about $500 to replace it.
This was a brand new Alliance Avenue with the concave corners on it.

I asked if he wanted to check out how a Pullrite Autoslider works. He said no thanks, he learned his lesson and will slide it in the future. Hope he remembers when he is maneuvering to get to a gas pump...

I'm on my second autoslider in my second truck, and have not damaged a rear window or cab in 13 years.

[ford_truck_guy]

Before I got my Long Bed, I had a Pullrite Superglide... It was the BEST INSURANCE policy..

The thought of not having to worry about stuff like that happening was PRICELESS...

That hitch was awesome, sold it back in 2019 for $750.00....

[MFL]

Some non-sliding hitches work better than others, due to their ahead/back adjustment. Each brand of truck will differ, when placing the hitch pin center over the axle center. Ram standard bed trucks have the shortest distance from rear axle center, to back of cab.

In most cases, with the newer rounded front FWs, and a bit longer pinbox, you will not need a slider, especially with Ford or GM. You still need to be aware in extreme backing/turning, same as towing a TT or boat.

However, there will always be folks with broken windows/damaged cabs. I've seen the damage from unaware people towing any type trailer, snowmobile trailer, cargo, boat, and utility.

Jerry

[jdgreen42]

RV ed for 20+ years with up to 35 ft 5th wheels, pulled to Alaska 3 times, all over lower 48- never had a slider, never needed one, never got into cab or window. Guess I was just lucky or ????

[StirCrazy]

I had a manual slider when I had my short box truck, with the long box there just isnt a requirment and it is so much nicer. mind you it wasn't that hard to take a second to slide it back.

Steve

[4x4ord]

If I was worried about hitting my cab I’d definitely go auto slider or long box ….. manual slider wouldn’t get used in my truck.

[phillyg]

I don't know what's worse, not having a slider or forgetting to use it. Anyway, I'm on my second auto slider because I know I'd forget to manually use one.

[MNRon]

Second autoslider and second truck for me too. I’ve been very happy for my SuperGlide on several occasions, and I also haven’t kissed the truck with my 5er. Unfortunately I too have seen several others punched out rear windows or dented cabs