Help on 2500 Extended Cab 6'6" Bed Duramax

[HughM]

I've got a 298RLS Mountaineer. Trailer Weight is not the problem. I'm looking at a 2007 Chev. Duramax Extended Cab with the 6'6" bed. I can't get the 8 ft bed because it won't fit in the garage. It's too long by 4". I'm not buying a $40,000 truck to sit outside.
Question does anybody on the forum tow with a short bed, I've always had the long bed and no problems. I know about the sliding 5th wheel hitches. Just asking for advice from those who have been there, done it and got the T shirt to prove it.
Thanks
Hugh

[johnp4191]

We, too, have just purchased a 2007 Chev Duramax, but with the crew cab and a 6'6" box. We had an 8' box before, so have not had to look at sliding hitches. We are trying to sort out the different brands and are getting more confused. Auto slide vs manual. Air hitch or not...

I know there will be opinions!!

Thanks,
Judi

[Charlie]

I'd bet that 90% of the MOC group has a short bed. Personally I have an 8' but think I am a minority. There will be many that can tell you what to expect and give advise.

[Mudchief]

I Pull with a short bed and would recommend a slider. I have the pullrite and am very pleased with it.

[Mac]

I have a 2007 Classic Silverado short bed and currently use a manual slider, a Reese, which I had in my old truck. Honestly I've never had to use it but if I was buying a new one I'd probably take a close look at the Superglide, it seems like everyone who owns that loves it.

mac

[jmd80ta]

We have the same trailer you do and a 2500HD Crew Cab with the PullRite SuperGlide. We love the SuperGlide as it is automatic and don't have to get out when backing up. They are a little pricey but I can take the whole hitch out and my truck bed is flat again in which I can haul stuff. We were lucky as I bought the hitch on ebay for $900 including the frame rails made for my truck.
Enjoy.

[sreigle]

There are many of us here towing with the shortbed. As you know, there are manual sliders and automatic sliders. With the manual slider you have to get out and move the lever and slide the hitch back. It's easy to not do that, thinking you can make the turn ok. At least it works that way for me with our manual slider. I am very careful, however, and watch carefully to make sure putting a wheel in a dip won't cause a problem. With the new Montana nose you'll probably rarely use the slider. Even with the old nose I rarely used it. I've used the slider four times in twelve years.

Bottom line is a shortbed is fine, just be sure you have a slider and use it when needed.

[OntMont]

We towed our Montanas for about 5 years with an SB 2500HD, no slider, and never had any problem with that set up. I know I'll get an argument, but I don't think you even need a slider hitch. Nice to have yes, but not really necessary if you are aware of your turning limitations, and avoid really rough sites. (Just my opinion - I know others differ).

[ken]

We have a 05 GMC 2500 Crew Cab with a short bed. We use the Reese Signature 18K hitch with a slider. You will need the slider as i have put out one rear window turning the Montana. The hitch and slider will probably be for sale shortly as we are moving to a Motorhome within two weeks. If your interested, please let me know via an email as we are on vacation with our Montana right now in South Carolina. We are normally located in Virginia. The signature series contains the rails below the bed so nothing is in the bed when the hitch is removed.

[jorpcorn]

I have the same truck (2500 Duramax extended cab) with the 6'6" bed. Towing a 3655FL with it - using a Husky 16000 slider hitch. No problems at all with turning radius but the slider is a definite necessity. Automatic slider would be nice but for the difference in the cost, I don't mind having to get out of the truck!

[noneck]

Ok, I'll log a vote for OntMont's position, did it with my prior setup SOB 1998 - 2006 and doing now, no slider here.

[SlickWillie]

Where we park at the home base, the slider is a must. That being said; if I had it to do over, I would get the Pullrite. We have the Reese slider, and it would be much easier not to have to get in and out to move the hitch. Also, there's been a time or two I got real close to the cab pulling in to fuel. Didn't want to block the whole place by stopping to slide the hitch back. Just my thoughts.

[jpkelpe]

we have the short bed and slider hitch--need to use it when you are making tight turns--ask Paul what happens if you don't

[Glenn and Lorraine]

I started pulling my 1st 04 Monty 2955RL with an 03 2500HD Silverado SB and the PullRite Superglide.
Today I have an 07 Monty 3485SA and an 05 2500HD Sierra SB and I still use my Pullrite Superglide.
Do I need a SLIDER? Much less a Pullrite Superglide Automatic Slider? I have no idea! All I do know is if and when the time CAME I wasn't the least bit concerned either way as my Superglide gave me the peace of mind to NOT have to worry about it. If and when the time does COME, once again, my peace of mind tells me not to worry as the Superglide will be back there handling the situation AUTOMATICALLY. NO IFS, ANDS OR BUTS ABOUT IT!!!!

[rames14]

We have the short bed and reese manual slider on Chevy SB. We camp in the mountains and have used the slider hitch quite a few times. We also need it when we pull into our subdivision and go through our cul de sac. Now, we don't have the new nose cap, so that is another consideration. My brother in law purchased a Cougar and Dodge SB. First time out with us, he hit the cab on both sides. No slider hitch. He has one now. With the new cap and towing down the I-state and hitting KOA's, you will probably not need it. It all depends on where you camp, what you're pulling and how close you watch. As for manual vs. slider, let your checkbook be your guide. Either works, one is easier than the other.

[Bill and Lisa]

Slightly different question but in the same vein. 2500 HD Crew Cab short bed. already have a no slider hitch. Instead of getting rid of the hitch and buying a superglide, what are the opinions out there on getting the 5th airborne sidewinder? That would also address ride issues as well as moving the pivot point back. All opinions are welcome but if you actually have a 5th airborne sidewinder please make sure to point that out.

BIll

[Mudchief]

I am like Glenn, I like not ever having to worry if I need to slide or not. That is why I went with the Pullrite superglide.

[mustang92]

I'm towing a 3400RL with the same truck, which you will love! I don't have a slider hitch and you can get by without one if you are careful with your sharp turns. Having said that, I wasn't careful once and knocked out the rear window of my truck! Sliders are nice and I will own one at some point.

[Grumpy]

I have 07 2500 HD D/A Short Bed with a Superglyde hitch (Bought on Glenn's advice)(Thanks Glenn) pulling a 07 3400RL. I love the whole rig. Couldn't ask for a better combination and completely worry free when making turns.

[happy campers]

quote:Originally posted by Charlie

I'd bet that 90% of the MOC group has a short bed. Personally I have an 8' but think I am a minority. There will be many that can tell you what to expect and give advise.

No worries with the long box, and any hitch you choose!