Automatic slider hitch with Grand Design 323bhs

[Rakedog]

Hello Everyone, I am new to the forum and soon to be a fifth wheel owner. We have been camping in a bumper pull for years and recently made the decision to change over to a fifth wheel. I have a 2013 Ram 3/4 ton diesel short bed and we are due to pick up our Grand Design fifth wheel soon (323bhs). We are excited about the new set up, but I'm a little apprehensive. I have never pulled or even ridden in a truck that was towing a fifth wheel. So, big step for us. My two questions I have are what brand of slider hitch would you recommend and do you have any pulling tips for me?

Thanks for your help,
Dave

[Need-A-Vacation]

Do you have the Ram Box bed? If so, it seems the only option is the Reese Sidewinder.

Good luck!

[Dave_H_M]

A thought.

Maybe check on the web site and see if it gives turning radiuses for the trailer without a slider.

I did for the Laredo and am fine without a slider on my F 250 short box.

[draknor]

Rakedog - not that this really helps you (yet), but my 07 Ram 3500 Megacab had the B&W turnover ball already installed by a previous owner, so I just ordered the B&W Companion Slider.

Still working on getting it "installed" - I have a plastic bedliner so I have to cut notches out of that first (so the slider sits on the bed, not the liner) before I can actually drop the hitch in. Will post pictures on the forum once I get that done.

I debated about getting a SuperGlide, but opted not to for the following reasons (which may or may not apply to you):
* Camping World tech said they'd have to remove the B&W to install a fifth wheel hitch
* Pullrite makes a B&W adapter, but it's $500+ and requires 2 additional bed holes to be drilled & additional brackets mounted to the frame
* SuperGlide also requires a special plate for the kingpin - extra cost, extra hassle
* Total cost was going to be $1700+ (parts) + labor (??) + hassle to get it installed.
* B&W Companion Slider was $1300 (Amazon!), and (in theory) I can drop it in myself.
* Everything I've read about the B&W Companion (non-slider) suggests people love it
* I'm hoping that I won't need to use the slider a lot - our 5er has an extended pin box. But I didn't feel comfortable not getting one.

So that's why I opted for the manual slider.

[Rakedog]

I'm thinking I might go with the b@w turnover ball, then add the conpanion hitch with it. I think I am going to need a slider hitch with my truck, weather its an auto release or a manual, I'm not sure of. . Anyone ever put in their own turnover ball?

Thanks again for all your help

[kzspree320]

I have a Ram 2500 CTD and highly recommend the Pullrite Superglide hitch. I know it's $500 or so more dollars than a manual slide, but you can just drive like you have a long bed truck knowing the hitch will slide back automatically whenever needed. You don't have to get out and look at cab clearance or risk making a costly mistake. I think a slider is a must with the Ram's 6'4" bed (at least it is for me). The Superglide is great if it fits into your budget. Hope this helps.

[Rakedog]

Thanks for your reply. That's what I'm hoping, that it will pull great. I've had a couple buds over the years that enjoyed the fifth wheel in regards to pulling it. One of them went back to a tt mostly due to the same reasons-loss of bed space. I have always wanted the higher ceilings and for the hook up to be easy.
I bet I'll end up going with a manual slider, just to keep cost down some. Thanks again, dave

[mtofell1]

Lots of hitch brands out there and I'm currently in a TT so I don't really know the latest and greatest. The last time I towed a 5th was about 7 years ago and I had a Reese manual slide 16K. It is a basic hitch but did the job. I did find that hauling the hitch in/out of the truck bed was a total pain. This, along with the loss of my pickup bed, are what ultimately made me go back to a TT. I'll go back to a 5th again someday when I'm traveling more than working. The simplicity of just backing up and hooking up the TT is nice.

As for actually towing, you're in for a treat. Assuming you have enough payload and truck, you'll find the 5th tows as well or better than the TT (usually better but TT tow-ers with expensive hitches get cranky). The weight of the trailer concentrated directly over the rear axle is much better than the weight resting near the bumper.

Turns are different due to the hinge point but it's really not a huge deal to get use to. You pretty much figure it out after the first couple turns. Just be aware and you'll get the hang of it super quick. Again, you're likely in for a nice surprise.