Slider Hitch Required?

[bodacious]

Thinking of trading the '03 GMC 3500 for a 2014 GMC 2500 standard bed (6 1/2 ft.) Will my 16K fixed hitch work with the '05 Cougar 309EFS or would this setup require a slider?

[wandering1]

Simple answer. The answer is yes if you dont have an 8ft bed and dont want the risk of crashing the 5er into the back of your cab.

[Hannibal]

With our light weight 5th wheel, I have a second set of bed rails that puts the pin 52" from the rear window or 12" behind the rear axle of our F250 CC SB. I can't tell the difference towing except that I can make full lock U-turns now with no worries. I don't recommend this as it goes agains all the manufacturers recommendations for loading a vehicle. So does loading the trunk of the car with groceries but some folks do it anyway. All I'll say is it works great for "us". Some of the campgrounds we frequent are pretty tight and require some sharp maneuvering to get into a spot between the trees.

[Scott_85]

dballentine wrote:

Scott_85 wrote:
I just found out something today. I just got my camper and my wife picked it up and found that we can't use the sider on my truck. The way the pin is set up it would it the tailgate if the hitch was in the back position.

What about dropping the tailgate down?

To be honest I'm not with the camper but I think the tailgate would hit the camper. I will find out more when I get stateside.

[dballentine]

Scott_85 wrote:
I just found out something today. I just got my camper and my wife picked it up and found that we can't use the sider on my truck. The way the pin is set up it would it the tailgate if the hitch was in the back position.

What about dropping the tailgate down?

[Scott_85]

I just found out something today. I just got my camper and my wife picked it up and found that we can't use the sider on my truck. The way the pin is set up it would it the tailgate if the hitch was in the back position.

[billkaufmann]

DonPd wrote:
You can install a new pin box the sidewinder style. I have one and it works great. It also takes the bounce out of the ride. It works better than a slider hitch.

Link to pin box
Sidewinder

X2

[Tom_Diane]

If the Cougar has a fixed position and a 6.5 box, you will be fine.

[2112]

I have an extended pin box and rounded front cap on my FW. Did I NEED a slider? No. I chose to install a SuperGlide and not worry about it. Set it and forget it, no regrets.

The SG is a heavy beast though, weighing in at 200#'s.

[WeBeFulltimers]

If you are making turns going forward or backing that would make the fiver hit the back of your truck you are putting way too much stress on your fiver's suspension. You can turn it into a real twisted mess! Find another way to do what you are wanting to do. A slider will not prevent it.

[Passin__Through]

tsetsaf wrote:
Wow surprised to read the "if you are careful you won't need a slider" comments. A Superglide can be found used for the same price as a standard hitch new. The one time you need to turn tight you will be happy you have it... and you won't have to "be careful".

Boldface added.

Couldn't agree more. We've only had our rig for almost 1 year, made 6 trips, and there have been several instances when I have needed to make tight turns. Having the Superglide made it so very much easier!

[tsetsaf]

Wow surprised to read the "if you are careful you won't need a slider" comments. A Superglide can be found used for the same price as a standard hitch new. The one time you need to turn tight you will be happy you have it... and you won't have to "be careful".

[Willcamp4]

I have always towed using a short bed pickup. I use an extended pin box on the fifth wheel and make sure I am careful not to turn too sharply. It has always worked well. The Cougar has a significant forward rounded shape so that will reduce the turn available before hitting the cab.

[shadows4]

laknox wrote:

bodacious wrote:
Thinking of trading the '03 GMC 3500 for a 2014 GMC 2500 standard bed (6 1/2 ft.) Will my 16K fixed hitch work with the '05 Cougar 309EFS or would this setup require a slider?

I can NOT hit my trailer, which is very square-fronted, with my '02 D'max and Companion hitch, going forward. It is 4wd, so I =ass=ume that it doesn't turn quite as sharp as a 2wd, but I'm good with my setup. ALL will hit in reverse, just some sooner than others. I =have= taken out my back glass trying to back into a site, so I know my limits and always use spotters when in a tight space.

Lyle

I followed this advice from someone else. I have the old style nose. Never have been
in a situation where I had to use the slider backing up. However I have a nice little crease from turning in our cul-de-sac. Somelse also said you couldn't hit going forward. Guess what? WRONG!!!!!
Get a slider, but use it if things get tight. Good luck, John

[DavinD]

kmbelt wrote:
I have a 6.5ft bed. I have a slider. I have NEVER had to use it as of yet. If you are careful and pay attention, it is not necessary.

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