Slider hitch in an 8' bed

[tnd2]

Hey guys, I was having a discussion with a friend that also has a long truck/5'er and a small driveway situation(another over-analyzer like me), and we came up with the question of using a slider to alter the pivot point while backing up.

We both run 8' beds with rounded front caps so can pretty much turn as sharp as you would ever need without a slider, but coming from TT's we were commenting on how lazy the 5er's back because your pivot point is over the rear axle vs being far behind the axle like a TT. After reading about the HDT crowd running their 5er hitches 3-5 feet behind their axles and how easy they can get into places since they back like a TT but without the limit of the a-frame. We started wondering if a slider would make the 5er respond quicker when backing, or if the 18-20" of slide really isn't enough to make a difference?

[Allworth]

I agree all the way with Red Neck. I kept my slider when I upgraded to a 3500 long-bed (it already had rails) just because I'm too cheap to buy a hitch if I don't have to.

When backing into a 90 degree turn to get from the road behind the house into the back yard, there is a small but very welcome improvement in reaction time with the hitch slid back. That is the only time I have ever moved it. but when I need it; it is there.

[tnd2]

Thanks for the input, I have access to a Husky slider, just need to see if its compatible with my Reese head. I haven't seen it yet to know if it's even possible, plus I need to find out if its rated high enough to handle my TH.

[red_neck_camper]

I have a Reese slider in my 8-foot bed. Its there because I transferred it from my short bed truck when I traded trucks. I did this to save money vs. buying a new hitch.

I have to back at a sharp angle to get my 39-footer into my driveway. I can certainly tell the difference between backing in with the hitch in the "transport" vs. the "maneuvering" (slid back) position. The trailer reacts faster when the hitch is back. Is it a huge difference? - no. But, it helps enough that I always slide it back before backing in. I wouldn't go out and buy a slider just for this purpose, but if you already have access to one, it helps.

Ken

[tnd2]

Javi1 wrote:
Folks will do all kinds of stuff in the name of "Just Cause" or "Just in Case" but I can't see how a slider would benefit someone with a long bed truck... 90* is still just 90*

It's not the angle of the truck to TH, its how slow the TH reacts to turning, once the TH reaches a 45 deg angle to the truck things start happening quick. No plans on widening the driveway since we have a gate and railed fence, then the asphalt would need widening, etc.

[JIMNLIN]

I have a short bed truck and when in tight situations I like to slide the pin 10" behind the trucks rear axles. Takes less steering input and a bit quicker reaction compared to a hitch that the pin sits 2-4 inches forward of the rear axle.

Our last 27' trailer we sold the guy that bought it was a construction foreman. He had a manual sliding hitch in his long bed chevy Dmax/A for that very reason.

[Javi1]

Folks will do all kinds of stuff in the name of "Just Cause" or "Just in Case" but I can't see how a slider would benefit someone with a long bed truck... 90* is still just 90*

[n7bsn]

I have one, only because the previous owner installed one... I'm not certain it really helps, except when I am jack-knifing to turn around in a small space (like the driveway at home)