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A sliding fifth is a fifth wheel hitch that slides forwards and backwards for manuvering purposes. The manual 5th wheel hitch should be used in the forward position while towing and most forward turns. When you need to manuever while backing into a spot, you manually extend the hitch rearward so you don't run the unit into the back of the truck (sharp turning). If you get one of the automatic hitches, it slides the hitch backwards proportionately to the degree of the turn, and returns to the forward position while traveling straight. The automatic sliders give the driver a sense of security, knowing that the unit should never hit the truck in all types of turns, forward and backwards! On the manual sliders, you have to get out of the truck to set it, and you have to return it to the origional position during normal trailering. Many don't find the need to have a slider, given the extended hitch pins that are mounted on the Montanas, but you still hear the horror stories of truck damage in certain circumstances.
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