Sliding Hitch or not

I have a Reese slider that I assembled from parts from different hitches for real cheap. I have not yet needed to use it in the rearward position, but I am prepared if I ever do need it.

I was lucky, dealer could've sold me one that I didn't need. Wow, an honest dealer!

We use our slider to park at home. We have a pretty tight area and the slider makes it simpler. Also prevents DH from putting the 5er through the back window...again. (That happened when we first got the 5er.)

Even when not needed, moving the hitch to the rear (yes, on a long bed) improves the response to turning inputs when backing. It is a matter of leverage and pivot points.

I towed for years with a short bed and no slider. Never needed one.

ohiopicker wrote:
There seems to be an assumption that getting a short bed TV automatically means you'll need a slider. I bought that argument on my first TV. I subsequently found that I almost never used the sliding feature. When I transferred the hitch to my next TV, also a short bed, the slider went on Craigslist, and I've never missed it.

I try to plan my maneuvering ahead, and find that I haven't needed to have my truck jackknifed around to where a slider is needed. Has anyone else had this experience!

.I had a slider in a short bed truck and opted not to use it ONE time and that was the time I put a dent near the top of my cab on the drivers side.

You can do all the "planning ahead" you want, but you never know when you may have to change your plans.

My philosophy is, "Better to have one and never need it, then to NOT have one...and need it.

But it's your truck, your 5er, your money, your call....pay very close attention to what you do, I did ALL the time, but once....and that one cost me....

I have a superglide and need it everytime I come home to load or unload. Also used it a couple of times when the Garmin got me into tight spots. I wouldn't be without it.

I have not had to use my slider once in the 3 yrs I have been towing a fiver and have gotten it in to some tight spots. A lot depends on the shape of nose on your fiver and your comfort level of getting it close at times.

ohiopicker wrote:
There seems to be an assumption that getting a short bed TV automatically means you'll need a slider. I bought that argument on my first TV. I subsequently found that I almost never used the sliding feature. When I transferred the hitch to my next TV, also a short bed, the slider went on Craigslist, and I've never missed it.

I try to plan my maneuvering ahead, and find that I haven't needed to have my truck jackknifed around to where a slider is needed. Has anyone else had this experience!

One thing to keep in mind is what brand of truck you use. Dodge has the shortest distance between rear axle and cab, while chevy has the most. Also where is the pin located in relation to the cap of your fiver. Is it 6'' behind the cap or 6'' in front... These variables mean the difference between a waste of money for a slider, or a broken window...
David

We have a slide hitch and wouldn't be without one. There have been numerous times when we've had to turn really short and would have hit the fifth wheel on the bed rail without it. And, you don't want the manual one, because who wants to jump out in traffic and slide it over if need be. Especially handy when trying to get in and out of fuel stations.