Slider or not for 2011 F350 srw 7ft bed

[TxHitchHiker]

Considering a different TV. Is a slider necessary for the 2011 F350 srw. I have a 2012 HitchHiket with standard pin box. Thanks in advance for your help.

[cummins2014]

djousma wrote:
I have a 2016 Ford F350 short box, which by the way is 6.75'. I opted to go with a slider, when I bought my Cardinal, mostly because I was new to 5th wheel towing. With that said, after 2 years of towing now, I'd still go with a slider. Let me qualify that, an AUTOMATIC slider. I went with the DEMCO 21K Hijacker autoslide, and I never have to make a determination on whether or not, I should engage the slide or not. If it's manual, as many of you have stated, it might as well be fixed, because those accidents happen at inopportune times....times when you don't think the slider is necessary.

My next truck will be an 8' bed to get the larger fuel tank, and at that time I'll switch to a fixed hitch, probably a B&W companion that fits the Ford Puck system.

I agree, no sense in buying a fixed slider, in most likelihood a mishap is going to happen unexpected, and not used to start with. If someone things they are not aware enough, or in conditions where a slider is needed, then go the automatic ,and be done.

[djousma]

I have a 2016 Ford F350 short box, which by the way is 6.75'. I opted to go with a slider, when I bought my Cardinal, mostly because I was new to 5th wheel towing. With that said, after 2 years of towing now, I'd still go with a slider. Let me qualify that, an AUTOMATIC slider. I went with the DEMCO 21K Hijacker autoslide, and I never have to make a determination on whether or not, I should engage the slide or not. If it's manual, as many of you have stated, it might as well be fixed, because those accidents happen at inopportune times....times when you don't think the slider is necessary.

My next truck will be an 8' bed to get the larger fuel tank, and at that time I'll switch to a fixed hitch, probably a B&W companion that fits the Ford Puck system.

[cpaulsen]

Have a Pullrite in my Ford short bed and use it all the time....it is the auto Superglide.

[RVcrazy]

We have a Hitchhiker we tow with a SB Chevy. We use a Pullrite automatic sliding hitch. Worth every dollar!

[Njmurvin]

Someone has to say it ...

I have a Pullrite SuperGlide and with all the stuff you have to think about when towing, I am happy to say worrying about trailer-cab contact is not one of them. Best RV money I ever spent (with the possible exception of my exhaust brake).

[cummins2014]

Me Again wrote:
For all those that say you do not need a slider, ask them to warranty that you will never take out a rear window and/or dent the cab. Chris

Friend with a 2011 Superduty, and a newer Montana fifth wheel, he has the slider, but it didn't prevent him from denting the cab, backing up at an angle , truck tire went into a low spot, and you know the rest fifth wheel came in contact with the cab.

If he would have used the slider this would not have happened ,but I have watched him back into our hunting campsite off road, and I would have never thought he would hit the cab, always seemed like plenty of clearance.

The comments I have never used my slider is pretty valid, I too had a slider, that I never needed, but what happened to my friend could have been prevented, but I don't think many will see it coming.

I have the same setup ,but a Ram truck, I have never needed the slider either, so now I have the Andersen rail mount, but very aware of what happened with my friend, and will take the steps to prevent his mishap .

[phillyg]

All Ford short beds are 6.5' as far as I know. I have an auto slider and the front corner of the Montana still gets rather close to the truck cab. OTOH, the 2014 Wildcat didn't need a slider, so you never know till you hook up.

[dave17352]

I had a slider for years and only actually used it a couple times.

[MFL]

Well Chris, no one will warranty that you won't have an accident, except your insurance agent. You have to pay for that warranty/insurance Anyone can have an accident, even when not towing. However when towing, any type trailer, more caution/awareness is needed. I know you need a slider, but because of your setup, rather than your ability, or actual need.

Jerry

[Me_Again]

For all those that say you do not need a slider, ask them to warranty that you will never take out a rear window and/or dent the cab. Chris

[MFL]

TxHitchHiker wrote:
Considering a different TV. Is a slider necessary for the 2011 F350 srw. I have a 2012 HitchHiket with standard pin box. Thanks in advance for your help.

Most later model FWs with standard pin box, are actually somewhat extended. My neighbor has a HH with square front, and 6.5 bed 2012 GM truck. He has a B&W Companion non-slider. He gets pretty twisted at times, not the best at backing, but no issues with cab clearance.

I have a non-slider in my 13 Ford SuperDuty 6' 9" bed. The pin center is 40.5 inches behind the cab. My FW does have EASY TURN, which is the rounded front cap. I keep aware, in tight turns, forward or back, but have never come close to hitting the cab.

To answer your question, "necessary for F350", NO, but drivers ability/awareness can vary.

Jerry

[4x4ord]

Those I know who have sliders never unlock them. I've never had or wanted a slider.

[newman_fulltime]

standard pin box or extended pinbox big diff

[jerem0621]

Depending on your weight I would consider a Sidewinder and a standard fifth wheel hitch or an Autoslider.

Thanks!

Jeremiah