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06-24-2015, 05:04 PM
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#1
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Fairhaven
Posts: 78
M.O.C. #17426
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Ford fifthwheel prep hitch advice
I recently purchased a 2016 Montana 3160 RL and I also ordered a 2016 Ford F-350 single rear wheel crew cab shortbed with the 6.2 gas/4.30 axle combo. I ordered the truck with the fifthwheel prep package and need some advice on hitches for this package. I know I can drop in a Reese elite series 18k slider but I am getting mixed information on wether or not I actually need a slider with the front cap design of the Montana. If I don't need a slider, I could also opt for a B&W hitch for the ford puck system. I could also go with the Reese adapter and then pin any rail mounted hitch to it. So, do I need a slider and what hitch would you recommend? I have plenty of time to decide because they are estimating 16 weeks until delivery.
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06-24-2015, 08:31 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Redding
Posts: 1,421
M.O.C. #12339
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I never needed slider because of long beds. My buddy ordered a short bed with his new Silverado. He had same mixed advice. He decided on the slider because, as he put it, even if he only needs to use it once, that's the time that counts.
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06-25-2015, 02:00 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Frostproof, FL USA
Posts: 2,362
M.O.C. #13272
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Prepare to get a mixed bag of advise on needing a slider or not. Up until last fall I was always one of the guys saying "have a slider but have never needed it".
For years while backing into numerous campgrounds all over the U.S. I just never came closer than 2 inches from my cab. Then last fall while going into a spot in SW Florida my trailer was in just enough soft soil/sandy material that it leaned over a couple inches. I could not tell it was tilting in my mirrors but if a guy in the next site had not been watching me back in and yelled a warning I would have dented my truck plus damaged my Montana.
My advise is to get a slider.
__________________
Previous: 2008 Montana 3400RL & 2014 3725RL
Current: Full Time 2022 SOB TT Toy Hauler
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06-25-2015, 02:06 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 854
M.O.C. #5592
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As JandC said. Check into the Demco sliding hitch. I just purchased 2015 F350 and installed this hitch. Works well.
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06-25-2015, 02:30 AM
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#5
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Fairhaven
Posts: 78
M.O.C. #17426
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I see that the demco hitch needs a capture plate installed since I have the mor-ryde pin box, is this capture plate removable or does it get welded on?
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06-25-2015, 03:42 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Lake Gaston
Posts: 8,773
M.O.C. #12156
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I vote for getting a slider, because of that short bed.
__________________
Mike and Lorraine
2002 3655 FL, 2005 3650RK
2010 3665RE, 2015 3910FB
F350 crew cab dually 6.7
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06-25-2015, 04:36 AM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: West Richland
Posts: 1,253
M.O.C. #17164
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I would say having a slider with a short box offers you insurance in the fact you can always avoid having a clearance issue. With that being said I also think Keystone tries to set up the newer units to be short box friendly. I am sure it is a sales promotion to try and sell more units. They seem to do this with front cap design, extended pin boxes etc. I have a long box Ford and my 3160 RL LE sets way back from my cab because of how Keystone builds the new fifth-wheels. I am sure I could put a bike or two behind the cab and never have to worry about damaging it. My old fifth-wheel had a pin box that went straight down and the front of the unit was way closer to the cab. Two different designs, one friendly to short boxes and the old one that was really designed for long boxes only.:-)
Tom Marty
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06-26-2015, 10:25 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Sioux Falls
Posts: 505
M.O.C. #14162
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I have never used my slider on the Monty, but was helping a kid down in Houston over the winter move his SOB as he was in a pinch for his truck. Glad I had the slider as I was backing him into his new spot.
__________________
Steve & Sheryl Engels
2018 Montana 3790RD
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06-28-2015, 05:39 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Depends on temps
Posts: 1,648
M.O.C. #13157
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My only thought is the decision to order a gas 6.2 engine. The chart shows a tow rating around 15K. That will be at sea level. For each 1000' you climb you will loose about 3.5% of your usable HP and torque.
There was a post in the forum last week in the Nubie area about towing a Montana with a gas truck.
http://www.ford.com/trucks/superduty...ations/towing/
__________________
2012 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 4x4 3.73 Tow Max Pkg B&W Companion 60 gal RDS aux fuel tank. 2014 Montana 3150RL, 2 A/C's, Leather, 6 Point Jacks, Splendede WD2100XC, Mor/ryde X-Factor, Duravis 250 tires with TST 507RV monitors. 2 x Honda EU2000's
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06-28-2015, 06:17 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
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I'm from the "have it in case I need it" and "over engineer everything" camp.
I don't want to come up short when a situation requires a certain capability.
Good luck with a gas engine while towing your Montana.
__________________
2010 3150RL
LevelUp, Dual 6 volt batteries, Progressive Industries EMS HW50C, Honda EU2000i Generator, Bridgestone Duravis R250 tires, Torklift Glowstep Revolution Stairs, LED Tail lights
2015 RAM 3500 Laramie SRW LB CC Cummins 6.7L Aisin Trans B&W RVK3600
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06-28-2015, 12:10 PM
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#11
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 210
M.O.C. #14048
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We got an Airborne Sidewinder. Takes a bit of getting used to hooking up but does the job. Takes the place of a slider and air bag reduces chucking and works with standard hitch made for Fords pucks
__________________
Bruce & Lori & Charli our 60# lap dog
2017 F350 Lariat, 6.7L, 6 1/2' box, Reece 18k Elite
2015 Mountaineer 331RLT, Dual pane windows, Dual A/C, Fireplace, 5th Airborne Sidewinder, Sailun tires.
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06-28-2015, 02:08 PM
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#12
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: holland patent
Posts: 174
M.O.C. #8973
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I had a diesel f250 08. I traded for f350 gas w/4.30. I never have a problem doing 65mph. I wouldn't use it for the heavier montana's. That is why I have a high country. It weighs 9820 lbs empty (12000lbs loaded). It's rated to tow 15600 lbs. I don't think it would mantain 65 mph up steep hills if it weighed much more. Ive been very happy with the way it towes.
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06-28-2015, 02:31 PM
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#13
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Campton
Posts: 54
M.O.C. #16108
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I have a GMC short bed with a Superglide slider. Only needed it twice in 6 years, but I did need it. Some of the campgrounds in New England have tight sites and the longer 5 vers need to be turned sharp to get into. My opinion of gas powered trucks, not a problem powering you and your Montana down the road, it is stopping it. The new diesel trucks have amazing engine brakes. My 2 cents worth
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06-29-2015, 01:15 AM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Frostproof, FL USA
Posts: 2,362
M.O.C. #13272
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Don't mean to be critical of someone what has already ordered a brand new gas truck. However, besides all the negatives folks have already suggested about pulling larger fivers with gas trucks there is another huge disadvantage as I see it. You are going to be limited to getting gas at regular gas stations while towing. That for me, pulling a 39' Montana, would be a deal breaker!
__________________
Previous: 2008 Montana 3400RL & 2014 3725RL
Current: Full Time 2022 SOB TT Toy Hauler
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