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The RVer's Open Forum / GENERAL RV DISCUSSIONS / Slider Hitch's

Charlie Q
User ID: 8360413 Dec 7th 6:18 AM
Hi! I'm new to this forum and my wife and I have never owned an RV but this Thursday we are picking up our first one. A Colorado 28' 5th wheel bunk house. I'm going to be towing with a 03' 2500HD duramax/allison, crew cab, short bed 4x4.
When deciding on hitch options I like the idea of a "slider" hitch set up. Although it is a little more expensive it seems as though in tight spots it may allow me to back into tighter places and be worth the extra costs by knowing I won't damage anything.
Now that all that's said, my question is,
What's everyone's opinion on slider hitches?
Are they difficult to operate?
Are they worth the extra money?
Thanks,
Charlie

Reverend Pete
User ID: 9697893 Dec 7th 7:15 PM
Hi, Charlie. After looking at most of the major brands, we selected a PullRite Super 5th (stationary) for our Chevy 2500HD longbed. We liked the auto-set mechanism that allows us to simply back up to the 5th and let the hitch lock up to the kingpin automatically. As well (more to your point) they offer a similar unit with an auto-slide feature. No need to get out of the truck and set the slide mechanism manually. This, coupled with the auto-hitch and an almost fully encasing jaw mechanism, made these units VERY attractive to us. If you call PullRite (the number can be found with an easy web search), they will send a short video demonstrating the slide hitch. It's pretty cool for a product demo video.

Best of luck in your search!

Charlie Q
User ID: 2324014 Dec 7th 8:59 PM
Thanks for the replies. The hitch we're getting has the auto lock feature, but you have to manualy release it for it to slide. I forgot the name brand but it seems to be a quality built unit. I don't mind it being man. I was wondering if they were worth the expense.
Again I'm new to rv'ing and I'm sure I'll be asking more questions in the future.Just tired of motels.LOL

Charlie

K Richwine
User ID: 0665994 Dec 8th 7:39 PM
Charlie Q:
most of the 5th wheels have an extended pin which moves the pin forward from the traditional pin straight down. With the extended pin you don't need a slider hitch. I have the identical puller as you described and have pulled 30,000 miles and put it in every spot you can think of. It willback over 90 degrees and you have no need to ever be in this position. A lot of folks have slider hitches, I just don't think they are needed on an extended pin. just my opinion.

P.S. I pull a 31 ft cardinal

Charlie Q
User ID: 2324014 Dec 9th 6:05 AM
K Richwine, Thanks for replying. That's the info I was hoping for. Wish us luck, we're picking it up this morning (Thursday). The family is excited to say the least.

Charlie

Frank
User ID: 0443584 Jan 7th 11:15 PM
I have a 33' 5th wheel with the extended pin and pull it with a 250 Ford crewcab,shortbed and use a slidder (Manual)hitch.
My cab and trailer collided while pulling out of a gas station driveway because of the difference between the road and the stations height. While the front of the truck came up the rear wheels dropped into the gutter causing the trailer to come down while turning right allowing the front corner of the trailer to hit the rear corner of the trucks cab. This occured in the tow position, not the manuvering position. In the manuvering position I have never come close to colliding with the trailer.

Nikki
User ID: 9481773 Jan 18th 6:09 PM
Is there a step-by-step list for hitching up and also un-hooking a 5th wheel? We have a new Reese 16K slider hitch and a Sunnybrook Solanta 2750.

Frank
User ID: 9941493 Jan 20th 12:36 AM
Yes there is step-by-step instructions. And the WARNING on my instructions says "FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY". A friend of mine pulled out from under his rig causing extensive damage to his truck bed rails.I recommend that you contact the person you purchased the hitch from and ask if they have a copy of the instructions. If they don't have a copy you can try calling REESE Technical Support at 1-800-758-0869. Good luck and happy camping.

Mike
Administrator Jan 20th 5:03 AM
http://www.reeseprod.com/support/support/pdfs/30048IN.pdf

John Harrelson
User ID: 0436494 Jan 20th 8:04 PM
Hi Charlie,

In my opinion, the best investment for your setup in a slider hitch... whether it be an automatic slider or a manual type..

I noticed someone mentioned the extended pin setup.

Here is something folks should be aware of when contemplating using an extended pin on their 5th wheel trailer.
*************************************************

The extended pin boxes are designed for use on "lite-weight" 5th wheels.. If your 5th wheel did not come with one installed on it by the factory, it is NOT recommended to install an extended pin box on the trailer.

The use of an extended pin box on the average 5th wheel can and has caused severe damage to the trailer frame where the pin box frame is welded on to it. There are reports on several of these assorted RV forums that tell stories of trailer frames being twisted, warped and in some cases, the pin box and it's frame has been ripped completely off the trailer.

Just imagine this happening at 60 mph down the highway... or maybe you better not, you need your sleep tonight...

Judging from the danger that I have read about on the RV forums, I would definitely not install an extended pin box on any 5th wheel trailer. I would go with a sliding receiver hitch in the truck bed if I had a short bed truck.

It may cost more than the extended pin box .. but it could be a heck of a lot cheaper in the long run.

It could also void any warranty you may have on the trailer.
At the very least, I would check with the manufacturer (NOT the dealer) and see what they have too say about the idea.

I do sincerely wish you the best of luck, and as I always say.. "it's just my opinion and everyone to his own"

John

John Bosma
User ID: 9272753 Jan 28th 5:45 PM
Do't listen to naysayers and do buy a slider of some description and hope you never need it but never is a very very long time! I have a RBWx16 slider and am very happy with it & I have an extended pinbox also as that is the way it was built.I probably use my slide more than absolutely necessary but so what it takes about 10 seconds and avoids a possible problem for us!I also have a Pin Lock By Bedsaver just incase as I have wittnessed 3 drops personally! Good Luck with your new baby JB

david a
User ID: 1523284 Jul 6th 6:43 PM
I have a pullrite 16k slider,with a2500 chevy short box. Would not be without one lots of peace of mind

jd
User ID: 9795313 Jul 7th 6:06 AM
We don't own a fiver but used one for several weeks and several thousand miles in Alaska. That included a dozen or so setups on campsites. They're sweet! Handle well on the road, maneuver well, and are quick and effortless to set up and hitch.

Slider requires a little preparation prior to deploying. At least the Reese 16K we used. There was a goodly amount of friction in the slide rails, and the rig should be straight and level. Don't expect to be in a situation where you realize you should have deployed it and then expect to while already twisted or near jacknifed.

God Bless, jd

Charlie Q User ID: 8360413	Dec 7th 6:18 AM Hi! I'm new to this forum and my wife and I have never owned an RV but this Thursday we are picking up our first one. A Colorado 28' 5th wheel bunk house. I'm going to be towing with a 03' 2500HD duramax/allison, crew cab, short bed 4x4. When deciding on hitch options I like the idea of a "slider" hitch set up. Although it is a little more expensive it seems as though in tight spots it may allow me to back into tighter places and be worth the extra costs by knowing I won't damage anything. Now that all that's said, my question is, What's everyone's opinion on slider hitches? Are they difficult to operate? Are they worth the extra money? Thanks, Charlie
Reverend Pete User ID: 9697893	Dec 7th 7:15 PM Hi, Charlie. After looking at most of the major brands, we selected a PullRite Super 5th (stationary) for our Chevy 2500HD longbed. We liked the auto-set mechanism that allows us to simply back up to the 5th and let the hitch lock up to the kingpin automatically. As well (more to your point) they offer a similar unit with an auto-slide feature. No need to get out of the truck and set the slide mechanism manually. This, coupled with the auto-hitch and an almost fully encasing jaw mechanism, made these units VERY attractive to us. If you call PullRite (the number can be found with an easy web search), they will send a short video demonstrating the slide hitch. It's pretty cool for a product demo video. Best of luck in your search!
Charlie Q User ID: 2324014	Dec 7th 8:59 PM Thanks for the replies. The hitch we're getting has the auto lock feature, but you have to manualy release it for it to slide. I forgot the name brand but it seems to be a quality built unit. I don't mind it being man. I was wondering if they were worth the expense. Again I'm new to rv'ing and I'm sure I'll be asking more questions in the future.Just tired of motels.LOL Charlie
K Richwine User ID: 0665994	Dec 8th 7:39 PM Charlie Q: most of the 5th wheels have an extended pin which moves the pin forward from the traditional pin straight down. With the extended pin you don't need a slider hitch. I have the identical puller as you described and have pulled 30,000 miles and put it in every spot you can think of. It willback over 90 degrees and you have no need to ever be in this position. A lot of folks have slider hitches, I just don't think they are needed on an extended pin. just my opinion. P.S. I pull a 31 ft cardinal
Charlie Q User ID: 2324014	Dec 9th 6:05 AM K Richwine, Thanks for replying. That's the info I was hoping for. Wish us luck, we're picking it up this morning (Thursday). The family is excited to say the least. Charlie
Frank User ID: 0443584	Jan 7th 11:15 PM I have a 33' 5th wheel with the extended pin and pull it with a 250 Ford crewcab,shortbed and use a slidder (Manual)hitch. My cab and trailer collided while pulling out of a gas station driveway because of the difference between the road and the stations height. While the front of the truck came up the rear wheels dropped into the gutter causing the trailer to come down while turning right allowing the front corner of the trailer to hit the rear corner of the trucks cab. This occured in the tow position, not the manuvering position. In the manuvering position I have never come close to colliding with the trailer.
Nikki User ID: 9481773	Jan 18th 6:09 PM Is there a step-by-step list for hitching up and also un-hooking a 5th wheel? We have a new Reese 16K slider hitch and a Sunnybrook Solanta 2750.
Frank User ID: 9941493	Jan 20th 12:36 AM Yes there is step-by-step instructions. And the WARNING on my instructions says "FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY". A friend of mine pulled out from under his rig causing extensive damage to his truck bed rails.I recommend that you contact the person you purchased the hitch from and ask if they have a copy of the instructions. If they don't have a copy you can try calling REESE Technical Support at 1-800-758-0869. Good luck and happy camping.
Mike Administrator	Jan 20th 5:03 AM http://www.reeseprod.com/support/support/pdfs/30048IN.pdf
John Harrelson User ID: 0436494	Jan 20th 8:04 PM Hi Charlie, In my opinion, the best investment for your setup in a slider hitch... whether it be an automatic slider or a manual type.. I noticed someone mentioned the extended pin setup. Here is something folks should be aware of when contemplating using an extended pin on their 5th wheel trailer. ************************************************* The extended pin boxes are designed for use on "lite-weight" 5th wheels.. If your 5th wheel did not come with one installed on it by the factory, it is NOT recommended to install an extended pin box on the trailer. The use of an extended pin box on the average 5th wheel can and has caused severe damage to the trailer frame where the pin box frame is welded on to it. There are reports on several of these assorted RV forums that tell stories of trailer frames being twisted, warped and in some cases, the pin box and it's frame has been ripped completely off the trailer. Just imagine this happening at 60 mph down the highway... or maybe you better not, you need your sleep tonight... Judging from the danger that I have read about on the RV forums, I would definitely not install an extended pin box on any 5th wheel trailer. I would go with a sliding receiver hitch in the truck bed if I had a short bed truck. It may cost more than the extended pin box .. but it could be a heck of a lot cheaper in the long run. It could also void any warranty you may have on the trailer. At the very least, I would check with the manufacturer (NOT the dealer) and see what they have too say about the idea. I do sincerely wish you the best of luck, and as I always say.. "it's just my opinion and everyone to his own" John
John Bosma User ID: 9272753	Jan 28th 5:45 PM Do't listen to naysayers and do buy a slider of some description and hope you never need it but never is a very very long time! I have a RBWx16 slider and am very happy with it & I have an extended pinbox also as that is the way it was built.I probably use my slide more than absolutely necessary but so what it takes about 10 seconds and avoids a possible problem for us!I also have a Pin Lock By Bedsaver just incase as I have wittnessed 3 drops personally! Good Luck with your new baby JB
david a User ID: 1523284	Jul 6th 6:43 PM I have a pullrite 16k slider,with a2500 chevy short box. Would not be without one lots of peace of mind
jd User ID: 9795313	Jul 7th 6:06 AM We don't own a fiver but used one for several weeks and several thousand miles in Alaska. That included a dozen or so setups on campsites. They're sweet! Handle well on the road, maneuver well, and are quick and effortless to set up and hitch. Slider requires a little preparation prior to deploying. At least the Reese 16K we used. There was a goodly amount of friction in the slide rails, and the rig should be straight and level. Don't expect to be in a situation where you realize you should have deployed it and then expect to while already twisted or near jacknifed. God Bless, jd