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12-06-2012, 06:49 AM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Rancho Santa Margarita
Posts: 633
M.O.C. #13025
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Sliding hitch
I have a 2004 Chevy 2500HD SB, D/A and am looking to buy a fifth wheel hitch. I understand that I need to get a sliding hitch, but am confused as to whether to get a manual slider or an automatic one, like a superglide. Those of you that have short beds, do you use the slider much? Any advice would be appreciated.
__________________
Russ and Linda, So. California
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD, D/A, SRW, SB
2005 2955RL, Pullrite Superglide 16K hitch. Bridgestone Duravis R500 tires. EZ Flex Equilizers with wet bolts.EMS HW50C, Disk brakes
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12-06-2012, 06:58 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Down the Road
Posts: 5,627
M.O.C. #889
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I ran a 2004 Chevy Silverado 2500HD crew cab D/A for over 6 years towing my 3400RL. I had the 16K Superglide and highly recommend the Superglide for your application. It worked flawlessly and not having to do anything other than drive was worth the extra cost upfront when purchasing the Superglide.
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12-06-2012, 07:38 AM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Lincoln
Posts: 860
M.O.C. #8154
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I opted for a 16k superglide. It has served us well. The main reason I went with the superglide vs. the manual is that I'm in the insurance business. I have seen too many claims when "they forgot to release the manual slide" causing lots of damage to the cab of the truck and trailer. Being the forgetful type myself, I went with the no brainier!
Ken
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12-06-2012, 08:34 AM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Hixson
Posts: 3,436
M.O.C. #11397
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I don't see the need for a slider of any type with my current Montana and short bed Dodge. Don't even come close to hitting back of cab. I don't want to put mine in the position that it would take to make contact because it puts too much stress on the fiver suspension!
__________________
2018.5 Montana 3791RD
Full Timers 9/1/2010 through 1/16/2020.
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12-06-2012, 08:48 AM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Tampa
Posts: 532
M.O.C. #10378
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I have the manual slider. I have never used it. Just there as an insurance policy.
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12-06-2012, 08:54 AM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Posts: 2,707
M.O.C. #7992
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I have a manual slide and use it all the time. I have to use it to get into my driveway. Just made it habit to slide it whenever we enter the campground. Seems to make manuvering the 5'er easier even if it's not needed. In over 50,000 miles of towing can only remember twice when I felt I had to use it to get out of a jam. With the husky hitch we have operating the slider is pretty easy. Jim
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2006 3000RK
2009 Ram 2500
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12-06-2012, 09:04 AM
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#7
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Littleton
Posts: 183
M.O.C. #9998
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I have only used my slider once. However, the once I needed it, I really needed it. Manual is cheaper than the auto and leaves you with a trailer hitch others can hook up to (dealer, service, etc.). Round tube manual binds less than flat rail (supposedly). Keep it lubed. Even so they scream a little when shifting between front to rear position. As often as you need it, so whats a little noise.
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2010 Mountaineer 285 RLD, 330 watts solar, 600 watts sine inverter, 3 type 31 agm batteries, Traveler antenna
2010 Dodge Ram 3500 SRW, 18k Reese slider, Honda 2000i, Firestone airbags
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12-06-2012, 10:10 AM
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#8
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Site Team
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Wilsey
Posts: 18,799
M.O.C. #11455
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Since we have a short bed Dodge we got a manual slider. I've done some really sharp backing (including a 180 around the laundry building where we are now) over all types of drops and dips and never had to use it. There were a couple of times, including this time, when I had Joyce watch the cab and trailer, but it's always made it. If I had the older square front Monty I'd use it every time, however.
__________________
Dick, Joyce, Diego, Picatso and Gustav
2017 3720 RL, and 2013 HC 343RL
Pullrite Hitch, IS, Disk Brakes, 3rd AC, Winegard Traveler, Bathroom door mod, Dometic 320, couch for desk swap, replaced chairs, sun screens, added awnings, etc.
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12-06-2012, 12:01 PM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Shipman
Posts: 552
M.O.C. #10136
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We have the super glide in our long bed f350 ...the same one we had in our short bed f250... Works just fine, no problems for the six years we have owned it..we camp about 50 days a year...travel between 5-7k miles per year....we use the dry slip plate spray...works wonderful...at least it seems that way...love it being an auto slider even though we don't need it....
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12-06-2012, 04:06 PM
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#10
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Site Team
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Omaha
Posts: 6,750
M.O.C. #7560
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Russel you haven't told us what type or year of Montana you have. We tug a 2004 model and I have the short bed with a manual Reese slider in it. I have used it numerous times. It has saved me having to replace the back window in my TV and body repair on both the Monte and the TV. The newer Montana's have a new front cap that is more aerodynamic and a whole lot easier to tow and turn with. My DW has taken the drivers school twice at the Fall Rally just as a refresher course and she said she can't believe how much easier the new cap is than ours on our 2004.
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12-06-2012, 07:11 PM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Copperas Cove
Posts: 1,426
M.O.C. #12096
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When I had my old 2500 short bed I also had the manuel slider for a just in case. In 2 years of traveling around the country I never once used it but it was there just in case. I avoided turning that tight for 2 reasons 1 I didn't want to have to get out and go thru the rig-a-ma-roll of sliding it, and 2 I never wanted to turn that tight on my tires. Make a really tight turn some time and watch your tires. I think that is part of the problem with belts separating and blowing the tire....just my opinion but next time you see someone turn at at 90 degrees just watch the tires.
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12-07-2012, 03:39 AM
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#12
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Calgary
Posts: 351
M.O.C. #10119
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I have a Reese 16K round tube slider that I had in our 2008 GMC 2500HD regular box (6 ft) and because of the front nose of the 2010 Montana I never used it. I now have a 2011 GMC 3500 HD regular box (6 ft) and never had to use the slider because of the nose of the 2010 Montana. To be safe I feel it is still a good idea to get a round tube slider. I had a rectangular flat slider in the past and in my opinion it was useless because it would not slide, which is why I bought a round tube slider.
All the best.
__________________
DPAM
2017 GMC Denali diesel, crewcab, 4x4, regular box.
2010 Montana 3150RL- Moving to Montana Package , Hickory Edition Package, wet bolts
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12-07-2012, 05:09 AM
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#13
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Savannah
Posts: 270
M.O.C. #7253
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I had a manual Husky Slider. One time while pulling into a fuel pump in a tight place I blew out the back sliding window in my King Ranch. It also put a small dent in the back of the cab. Thankfully I was going very slow and stopped as soon as the back window was broken so I didn't bend the back of the cab in even more. That cost my insurance company $1,000. I now have a PullRite and wouldn't tow without one again. I never have to worry and can simply drive without that in the back of my mind. I have really navigated some tight spots since getting the PullRite that I wouldn't have dreamed of going before.
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12-07-2012, 08:48 AM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Murrieta
Posts: 5,816
M.O.C. #9257
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If I had a short bed (had one prior to the fifth wheel days), I would get a slider and if I had to get a slider, it would be automatic. The only people I have heard of that do NOT have a short bed problem are those with an automatic slider since they've paid a little extra to NOT worry about it. All the others have had a problem, forgot to use a manual, or will have a problem in a matter of time.
I wouldn't worry about a few more dollars that can be amortized over time and relieve any extra thought for driving and backing other than where the exterior corners are at all times and that's it. Why stress on the pivot point, too? I guess I like the way Dave Nowlin thinks.
That's only my opinion and why I would invest a little more in the autoslider. I do want to give credit and kudos for those that aren't using an autoslider or a slider at all and have avoided problems, but I have too many "Murphy" moments to want to add more to my life. I have also seen too many chipped front caps and damaged truck cabs, not including the ones that have already removed their evidence of a mishap.
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12-07-2012, 12:01 PM
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#15
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Rancho Santa Margarita
Posts: 633
M.O.C. #13025
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I am still shopping for a Montana and trying to educate myself so not to be hasty and make mistakes. Probably a 2955 RL, between 2003 and 2007.
Quote:
quote:Originally posted by Rondo
Russel you haven't told us what type or year of Montana you have. We tug a 2004 model and I have the short bed with a manual Reese slider in it. I have used it numerous times. It has saved me having to replace the back window in my TV and body repair on both the Monte and the TV. The newer Montana's have a new front cap that is more aerodynamic and a whole lot easier to tow and turn with. My DW has taken the drivers school twice at the Fall Rally just as a refresher course and she said she can't believe how much easier the new cap is than ours on our 2004.
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__________________
Russ and Linda, So. California
2004 Chevy Silverado 2500 HD, D/A, SRW, SB
2005 2955RL, Pullrite Superglide 16K hitch. Bridgestone Duravis R500 tires. EZ Flex Equilizers with wet bolts.EMS HW50C, Disk brakes
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12-07-2012, 01:44 PM
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#16
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Seasoned Camper
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Augusta
Posts: 67
M.O.C. #12146
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Another round tube slider here. Had it for an earlier rig and just kept it. Did use it once or twice just because the rig swings easier when the slider is back. Newer style front caps eliminate a lot of the stress.
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12-07-2012, 02:26 PM
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#17
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Macomb
Posts: 293
M.O.C. #5709
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Another option that no one has mentioned is the pivoting pin box from Draw-tite Reesse (Cequent). You don't need a special hitch and anyone can tow your trailer in an emergency. Just worth checking out.
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12-08-2012, 01:39 AM
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#18
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Established Member
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Milton
Posts: 32
M.O.C. #12954
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We have the pullrite slider as well. The cost is more up front but well worth it imho.
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12-08-2012, 02:09 AM
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#19
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Colorado Springs
Posts: 3,335
M.O.C. #10496
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Another PullRite owner/user here. I got mine before getting the Monty and have been using it since. For me, it's a worthwhile investment. I have a lot to think about when operating my rig and one less concern is worth that extra $$$ I paid for the hitch. I expect to get a lot of years use out of it. Never had a problem with it.
__________________
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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12-08-2012, 11:45 AM
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#20
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Washburn
Posts: 591
M.O.C. #1782
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Happy Pullrite owner here for the past 8yrs.
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