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Sliding Hitch or not

ohiopicker
Explorer
Explorer
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!
37 REPLIES 37

therink
Explorer
Explorer
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.
Steve Rinker
Rochester, NY
2013 Keystone Sydney 340FBH 5th Wheel, 12,280 lbs loaded (scale)
2015.5 GMC Sierra Denali 3500, SRW, Duramax, CC, Payload 3,700 (sticker- not scaled yet)

Take my posts for what they are, opinions based on my own experiences.

4huskers
Explorer
Explorer
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.

NC_Hauler
Explorer
Explorer
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....
Jim & Kathy, (Boxers, Buddy & Sheba)
2016 Ram 3500 DRW Longhorn 4X4/CC/LB/Aisin/4.10/rear air assist ...Pearl White.
2016 DRV MS 36RSSB3/ W&D/ slide toppers/ DTV satellite/ 5.5K Onan propane gen.
B&W RVK3600 Hitch
Fulltiming in WV & TX
USAF 71-75 Viet Nam Vet

dbbls
Explorer
Explorer
I towed for years with a short bed and no slider. Never needed one.
2011 F-350 CC Lariat 4X4 Dually Diesel
2012 Big Country 3450TS 5th Wheel

Allworth
Explorer II
Explorer II
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.
Formerly posting as "littleblackdog"
Martha, Allen, & Blackjack
2006 Chevy 3500 D/A LB SRW, RVND 7710
Previously: 2008 Titanium 30E35SA. Currently no trailer due to age & mobility problems. Very sad!
"Real Jeeps have round headlights"

Reader1
Explorer
Explorer
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.)

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

msjdbman
Explorer
Explorer
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.
2008 Duramax/Allison LT2 Crew cab Standard Box. Hellwig Air Assist. BD Diesel VVT Turbo Brake. 2003 Coachmen Chaparral 295 IKS