Do I need a Slider Hitch for a 7' bed?

[HosLaw]

I drive a '02 F250 7.3l Powerstroke Diesel CrewCab with the standard bed (7').

I just bought my first 5th wheel - a 37' Forest River ToyHauler. I need to get a 5'er hitch installed in my truck. The seller of the toyhauler gave me a Reese non-slider hitch (minus the rails) because he upgraded.

I've been told that with a short bed (6'), you need a slider hitch, but with a long bed (8'), you don't. Nobody can seem to tell me whether I need one for my 7' bed!

Any answers?

[straycat]

It depends on the front overhang of the 5th wheel trailer. If the kingpin is protruding out, your probably fine. If it is under the trailer, you will have to do some measuring. Measure the distance from the Kingpin to the outside of the trailer (to the side), that will tell you how much room you need, than measure the distance from the center of your axel to your cab, give yourself an extra 4-6 inches. if it looks like it will clear on a 90 degree turn, you should be ok, but remember that if you are turning on a hill or a depression it will change your clearances as well. I use 4-6 as a minimum clearance, the more the better. hope that helps you out.

Gord.

[Albie30]

i did not even know there was a 7' bed

[Dave]

if it turns out you dont need a slider i have one i will sell you

[BlackHammer]

I think he means 6 1/2 foot bed. There is no 7' Bed.

[Big Tone]

The main reason folks use a slider is so the trailer wont hit the cab in a jackknife or tight backing manuaver, You dont have to have one but its sure handy!

[straycat]

hahaha, but when you need one, you usually really need one.

Gord.

[CHenry]

Originally Posted by HosLaw

I drive a '02 F250 7.3l Powerstroke Diesel ..

I just bought my first 5th wheel - a 37' Forest River ToyHauler.

I think a bigger problem might be that you are overloaded with this size of a 5th wheel...A 37' forrest river (build solid) will have a GVWR of about, what, 16k lbs? Maybe a little more? Thats alot of weight to be hauling with a 3/4 ton 7.3...

[Dave]

forest river 38 footer is 10,370 empty has 16,870 gvwr
I got the info from their brochure i am looking at one of their trailers too

[CHenry]

Originally Posted by quadracer1014

forest river 38 footer is 10,370 empty has 16,870 gvwr
I got the info from their brochure i am looking at one of their trailers too

I was close then...i figured it was over 16k lbs. Thats alot even for my F-350 dually. I would be overloaded at 16k lbs. I don't want to get over 14k loaded.