Do I need a Sidewinder?

[Huckleby]

I recently updated my tow vehicle to 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 crew cab short box. With my previous shortbox I was able to get away without a slider hitch and didn't have any problems. I was wondering if I will now need one. I'm hoping not but fearing I will. Anyone with this setup that can tell me?

[Huckleby]

Well, the waiting is over. I went and brought my 5th wheel out of storage and found that the standard hitch will work. I had to move the hitch height up one notch so I don't endanger the box rails when on uneven ground. Camper/cab clearance is fine. The only issue I see is that on a sharp turn the camper pin box comes really close to the box rails. I could raise the hitch up one more notch but then the nose high condition will be worsened. As you can see in the picture it rides nose high, but it was even worse with my Dodge. No way around that.

[Huckleby]

Well I worked up the nerve and went to take my camper out of storage for the first time since I got the GMC. I needed to raise the hitch up one notch to avoid damage to the bed rails when on uneven ground, but other than that it went "without a hitch" (excuse the pun) Plenty of room between the cab and camper. Only concern is that the damper pin box comes close to the bed rails on tight turns. I could probably eliminate that issue if I raised the hitch one more click but I'm already nose high. I may end up cutting off some of the extra metal on the pin box to make room.

So to answer the question...You can tow a 5th wheel without a slider or sidewinder when you have a 5'8" box. Of course it would vary from trailer to trailer.

[Shadow_Grey]

Auto sliders are too heavy for 1/2 tons...gotta go with something lighter that works!

[GeoBoy]

You need an auto slider.

[Huckleby]

I guess I'll wait till spring and see how it goes without. I can always add it later.

[Shadow_Grey]

I have this and use a sidewinder with great success... Much lighter than a slider, my pin weight on empty camper was 1190#. The fully loaded pin weight isn't more than a couple hundred pounds more.

[kaydeejay]

RCMAN46 wrote:
...........The cost of a slider or sidewinder vs a back glass it is your call.

Not to mention the value of "Peace of mind"

[RCMAN46]

The problem is for the 10% that you need it and do not have it and forget then you may get to replace a back glass in your truck.

The cost of a slider or sidewinder vs a back glass it is your call.

[rreynold51]

I had a short box on my last truck with a slider and only used it once. That was a 90 deg back in with no room in front or on the sides. That was the only time I thought it was useful. For the next 100 times I never used the slide and back right into the slots so its a personal thing. 90% of the time you won't use it....the remaining 10% is a choice....on whether you really want that spot!! LOL

[kaydeejay]

Huckleby wrote:
Yes, box is 5'6". ................

Then you NEED a slider or Sidewinder.

[Huckleby]

Yes, box is 5'6". Previous tv was 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 extended cab short box 6'

[RCMAN46]

It would help if we knew what your previous truck was. Brand and year.

[kaydeejay]

By "Short box" do you mean the 5'6" box, rather than the 6'8" "standard" ox or the 8' "long box".
If you mean the 5'6" box,then yes, you need some means of avoiding trailer to truck cab contact.
That can be a Sidewinder or a sliding hitch.

Edit:- Be aware that the low payload capacity of your 1/2 ton truck is going to limit the fiver to a very small/light unit. A fiver puts much more load on the truck than a conventional trailer.