help with fifth wheel hitch facts

[jetjock15]

My truck is short bed superduty, Do can i get by with a non-slider hitch?

Just bought a 5th wheel toy hauler. Its the fifth toyhauler ive owned but first fifth wheel. Came with a hitch. Not a slider. So I want to use what i have vs buying another.

Doing some reasearch it seems people say its a must to have a slider hitch with a shortbed? is that a fact? I dont really care to clear 90 degrees of turn, that would be allot of stress on axles anyway...

where are you mounting the hitches in short bed superduties? ive read anywhere between 2 and 4" in front of axle? ive seen it writen as 32.5" from the tailgate to the first mounting rail? any advice, I can take some measurements, im assuming the farther forward the better for the weight distribution, but a balance for how much I can turn, clear the cab.... any advice for a newbie is appreciated.

JJ

[Big Mule]

I have a Superglide and thank god I do, their have been many time's that I have needed it, like parking in a RV park that does not have much room. I don't want to constantly have to watch my turning radious, or when driving into unfamliar areas for fuel or food, you will thank yourself for spending the extra money on a slider. I know they are building 5th wheel's now that have the clearence with out using the slider.

[Ryan Rønning]

I would suggest a slider!

[sea71]

If your toyhauler has an extended pin box then no need for a slider. I have an 02 regular bed, and I use a fixed Reese hitch, but my camper has the extended pin box.(actual pin sticks out about 2ish feet in front of nose of camper). Just about every newer 5th wheel I see on the road is built this way now. I have had mine pretty sharp,not 90, but sharp enough to bind the axles a little, and no problems on flat ground. We dont have too many hills here. Also, a good rule of thumb about hitch placement is to have the actual hitch(part where the pin engages with the hitch) 4 inches forward of the axle.

[new2deisel]

Originally Posted by jetjock15

My truck is short bed superduty, Do can i get by with a non-slider hitch?

Just bought a 5th wheel toy hauler. Its the fifth toyhauler ive owned but first fifth wheel. Came with a hitch. Not a slider. So I want to use what i have vs buying another.

Doing some reasearch it seems people say its a must to have a slider hitch with a shortbed? is that a fact? I dont really care to clear 90 degrees of turn, that would be allot of stress on axles anyway...

where are you mounting the hitches in short bed superduties? ive read anywhere between 2 and 4" in front of axle? ive seen it writen as 32.5" from the tailgate to the first mounting rail? any advice, I can take some measurements, im assuming the farther forward the better for the weight distribution, but a balance for how much I can turn, clear the cab.... any advice for a newbie is appreciated.

JJ

I have a shortbox and tow a 5ver. I do have a slider but have never had to use it. I know that my trailer will hit my cab if I turn too sharp but have not had to.

[Goose350]

I have a SB and It will work. I would suggest a slider but you can get by

[HarleyMedic]

Get the slider. From personal experience, a dent in the cab will chap ur booty.

[jesilvas]

you'll kick yourself for not gettin one once you hit the truck
BUT as long as you watch it and don't turn sharp and ALWAYS remember it's there when you turn even a bit, you can get by
mine is a long bed and the rails are about 2" in front of the axle, that's just where they got installed. but i have a L shaped fuel tank and a tool box and i wish i had a slider. because i can clear the box but if i jointing the wrong way AND turn, then it would hit. i would love that automatic slider

[SoCalGlide]

Originally Posted by Big Mule

I have a Superglide and thank god I do, their have been many time's that I have needed it, like parking in a RV park that does not have much room. I don't want to constantly have to watch my turning radious, or when driving into unfamliar areas for fuel or food, you will thank yourself for spending the extra money on a slider. I know they are building 5th wheel's now that have the clearence with out using the slider.

I'm with you. I have the SuperGlide as well. With a 35' trailer, you end up cutting some tight corners in campgrounds that were designed for 16' travel trailers. The peace of mind is worth it.

If the 5th wheel is designed with the extended pin box, that's one thing, but the aftermarket ones may put too much stress on the frame. The frame manufacturers won't warranty their frames if you use an extender.

[6.0spooler]

blew out back window, never had a problem before 3rd fifth wheel. I will purchase a slider after I recoupe my check book from studs.