Hitch Question

[rames14]

I have had my Reese 16k slider hitch for about 8 years. Heading into retirement and with a new truck, I have a few questions. First, with the newer generation Montana's, do I still need a slider hitch? If I do, should I stick with the old Reese or look for something new?

[lasater]

I would think that you only need a slider hitch if you have a short bed truck. The slider's main purpose is to keep the corners of the Monty from hitting the back of your cab during sharp turns.

[snfexpress]

I agree with lasater that you only need a slider if you have a short bed. That being said I have to say that when we went from a long bed 1 ton SRW to a long bed 1 ton DRW, we found that the ride increased dramatically; can't speak to a short bed because we never pulled with one. Of course our Big Sky is rather heavy at nearly 16,000 pounds.

The added advantage of having our truck, a crew cab long bed dually is that we don't use drive thru's and we park in the back forty, meaning we walk further

[BB_TX]

Good friend had an '08 Chevy CC short bed without a slider and a somewhat older Dutchman 5er. Knocked out his back window on a tight back in. But the Dutchman had lower front corners that stuck forward with no contouring.
He later bought an '08 Montana 3295RK that had the contoured front and somewhat concave lower front corners. No problem after that. But he was also more conscious of his tight turns when backing.

[RJI47]

I got the Reese 20K slider back in 2008, and honestly, have only used it a few times. With the front corners on the Monty rounded off, it reduces the need for the slider, but still good to have "just in case".

[rames14]

The new Dodge Mega Cab is only available in a shortbed. The 2010 Montana has the cut out front for use with a shortbed. I am curious if anyone has experience with a shortbed truck with a newer Montana and if a slider is required. My current Reese is a manual slider. I had a shortbed Silverado before the current long bed.

[Emmel]

Ron, as you have been towing your present Montana with a short bed, it won't be any different with a new truck. We got the new long bed now and still have the slider hitch I've used for the last 11 years in the short bed GMC. I actually never used the slider before and don't need it now, but after talking to the Reese company rep, I couldn't see replacing a good hitch. All you need is to make sure when your hitch is installed in the new truck there is enough clearance on the side rails.
If you decide to replace the hitch, go with the 18 or 20K in case you happen to go to a heavier unit.

[DQDick]

I've got basically the same truck you are talking about and originally had a 15K Reese slider. I have never had to use the slider feature and have backed a U turn more than once. Comes close to the cab and I have Joyce watch it during the process, but it hasn't hit. I didn't like the 15K limit with what the Monty weighs so I talked to Reese and put a 20K head on the slider base. Reese said the base was the same and it was a snap to change. Saved me some serious money and effort (didn't have to install new rails etc) and now I have a 20K slider that I never use the slider feature, but it's there if I ever want to. I know you're like me and if someone with an old or SOB rig needed help moving it, you'd do it and if it didn't have rounded corners you'd need the slider.

[maximo]

I have a short bed Ford F250 diesel, 4 door, 4x4 pulling a 2011 Big Sky and do not have a slider hitch. The hitch is a B&W Companion Hitch. The Montana has "Max Turn" technology that has a 79 degree turning radius. With that degree being possible I also installed 3 X-Factor braces.

Frank

[Ishler]

X2 what Dick said, I've had the slider and short box and never needed it with this trailer.

[1retired06]

I would not run a short bed without a slider. Once in a while those unanticipated situations, ie dead end road tight turnaround, may require that slider.

[fauch]

quote:Originally posted by 1retired06

I would not run a short bed without a slider. Once in a while those unanticipated situations, ie dead end road tight turnaround, may require that slider.

I agree,
we have the super-glide auto-slider and have been past that 79deg several times.
you only had to have needed it once vs repair to the truck and trailer to pay for the relatively small extra cost.
I have been 90 deg plus, several times. A spotter-partner and limited articulation is the other alternative to a sliding hitch with a short-bed truck.

[bethandkevin]

As you can see from my signature, we tow a 2013 with the SB 2500. I have yet to find a situation where I've needed a slider and the property we are on in the fall takes quite a bit of manuevering to back into with a very tight initial turn. As for the back window-been there, done that with our old SOB 5'er. $1200.00 (insurance covered) for a new power slider. Education-priceless!

[Slufoot733]

I have the Reese 16K slider in my 2008 F-350 shorty. Used it a few times with the old SOB but haven't needed it with the Monty yet. BUT, would not be without it on a shorty.

[jpkelpe]

we have a short bed and have the slider hitch which we have never had to use with our 2010 Montana--had to use it with the Mountaineer but these new front caps make the difference.

[rames14]

Lots of good things to think about. I think I'll stick with a slider hitch. My brother-in-law had a new Cougar and Dodge about five years ago. He saved money by not getting the slider on his short bed and first trip hit both sides. The 79 degrees was the key number - I know at my house I will probably get to 90 degrees on uneven ground. DQ, thanks for the info on the Reese Head. I will keep that in mind.

[bw2]

Yes, it is always good to remember that a dip can cause the 5'r to go past the 79 degree and "pow"

[fauch]

another geometrical factor to consider with a slider is the amount of rearward movement provided. the super-glide moves 14 inches,, so even after the corner of the trailer clears the corner of the truck, there is a good bit more 'turning' that can take place before the corner of the truck contacts the SIDE of the trailer. i have seen both of these oh-Sh*@s! happen...

[jimcol]

quote:Originally posted by fauch

another geometrical factor to consider with a slider is the amount of rearward movement provided. the super-glide moves 14 inches,, so even after the corner of the trailer clears the corner of the truck, there is a good bit more 'turning' that can take place before the corner of the truck contacts the SIDE of the trailer. i have seen both of these oh-Sh*@s! happen...

Fauch, Help educate me. I have a slider in my SB truck. I understand the corner of the nose cap hitting the cab of the truck. I am having a hard time visualizing when the corner of the truck will hit the side of the trailer. If there is a mistake out there to be made I want to avoid it. Thanks, Jim

[fauch]

after the corners of truck and front cap clear, if you keep articulating past 90deg, the next point of contact is cab to side of trailer
i have seen this happen in a campground while driver was backing into site. Fort Pickens, fla. to be exact. (30 years ago). this will happen with LWB truck, and or with slider and with new front caps. the further the king pin is from the cab, the more you can "back-under" the trailer before this happens.