Slider hitches

Thanks everyone!

I have a Demco Hijacker auto slde in my short bed and would not tow without it.
My trailer does not have the scooped cap, and we get well off the beaten path and need the tight turning ability.
I wanted the auto slide so I did not have to think about moving it back and forth myself.

The fact that I got my trailer over 90 degree to my truck made my tires get in some kind of a bind. Getting in that kind of shape is not something I would make a habit of, in fact that is the toughest spot I ever got in. I am 100% certain no other way except sliding my hitch and turning that tight would have got me out of it.

Great info, thank you... Glazier, did you mean that even with the slider there was a problem with your trailer tires binding?

I had my first experience with absolutely needing my sliding hitch last trip out. We were in a very busy closing weekend of camping season. Our normal turning loop was filled with overflow campers, we had to turn in a very tight area. I saw our predicament the night before we left, no way I could have made that turn without my sliding hitch. I put my trailer tires in a bad bind getting turned, i really like my Companion Slider. Nobody on any site anymore will convince me their not needed, I am sold on their importance now.

labren wrote:
I checked with B&W hitches and they say on the newer rams they don't recommend sliders because the hole for the gooseneck hitch is almost directly over the axle, so the slider puts the hookup too far back.

Gooseneck hitch and slider hitch are two different animals. All gooseneck hitches are supposed to be directly over the axle and all fifth wheel hitches are supposed to be directly over the axle to several inches in front of the axle. These points have not changed in years, so guess I don't understand the comment from B&W, except trying to have both types of hookups has always been a problem. If you don't need a GN setup, then just get the fifth wheel hitch you want. If you need both, then get the B&W Companion hitch.

But if you feel really uncomfortable without a slider, then instead use whatever fixed hitch you like along with the Reese Revolution (a.k.a. Sidewinder) pin box. It still puts the weight over the axle, but moves the pivot point back. It responds faster when backing up, it won't cut inside the truck tires on forward turns as bad as other hitches (including auto sliders) and the back of the pin box can't hit the tailgate or side rails of the truck.

My dealer didn't want to sell me a slider saying I didn't need to waste the money. He was right, and honest. If your trailer has a angled front cap you probably don't need a slider.

Have you looked at the sidewinder or revolution pin box? No need for slider and no clearance problems.

Could I get your opinion on slider hitches please. 1 Ton Ram or 6.5 ft box. I checked with B&W hitches and they say on the newer rams they don't recommend sliders because the hole for the gooseneck hitch is almost directly over the axle, so the slider puts the hookup too far back. I have also read that some install sliders and then find it was not necessary. I prefer to not have to keep looking at the cab to see how close I am and I prefer to just back into the site. Is the auto slider a good thing and which slider is very good. Also is the factory prep package for this a hindrance or will it be a benefit?