Hitch Dilema

[rames14]

I went to look at a hitch for my new Dodge Mega Cab (whenever they get around to building it). I currently have a Reese 16k slider. It has served us well for the last ten years and is still good. The local Superglide dealer quoted me around $2500 for a Superglide. So, I can transfer my existing, manual, Reese hitch or spend $2500 for a shiny new hitch. The advantage would be automatic sliding and the removable rails. Unless I'm missing something, I'm sticking with the Reese. Perhaps someone will convince me to pry open my wallet.

[HOOK]

No need to change, you have one of the best.

[Montana Sky]

The cost of repairing the back of your truck and the front nose cap on your coach will far exceed $2500. The megacab bed is short - very short. If you are comfortable with the risk, then I'd stay the course. I cannot tell you how many estimates I've seen for repair work to the back of the megacab due to trailer contact. You might also want to talk to Steve R and his experience with his Megacab and 3400RL. It all comes down to how comfortable you are with the risks. Looking at the big picture, retail price on a Megacab is $62k or more and a new Montana retail is $80k plus, is $2500 worth the gamble?

[Countryfolks]

Two questions, are the slide ranges and the beds relatively similar and are you always aware of the turn angle before crunch? Also remember the memory gets worse as time goes by [first hand observation :>( ].

[rames14]

First, the Reese is a slider. The Mega Cab bed is 6'4" - so it is a fairly standard "short bed". My first Silverado was a short bed and I didn't have a any problem throwing the lever to put it in turning mode. Plus, we have the cut away nose cap.

[DQDick]

I have what you have except I changed the head out for a 20K. I've used the slider once and didn't have to then. I do have Joyce watch and go slow when I'm concerned, but where we are now I had to back the Monty in a U around a mobile home and never needed the slider. You should be just fine with what you have.

[Rondo]

RON-- I went and put my Reese slider back in the new Chevy crewcab/shortbed TV last fall. Have had no problems at all. I tried it out while still at the farm before heading out on the road both in the slide position and regular tow position and had no problems turning/backing at all. We headed for the Southwest this January and got into a couple pretty tight CGs and never had to use the slider at all. The way I look at it IF I need to use the slider all I have to do is flip the handle into maneuver position, pull the truck forward to slide the hitch, lock it in maneuver and back the unit up! As I said-- not needed so far this trip but if needed it's sitting back there in the shortbed to use.

[Tom S.]

quote:Originally posted by Montana Sky

The cost of repairing the back of your truck and the front nose cap on your coach will far exceed $2500. The megacab bed is short - very short. If you are comfortable with the risk, then I'd stay the course. I cannot tell you how many estimates I've seen for repair work to the back of the megacab due to trailer contact. You might also want to talk to Steve R and his experience with his Megacab and 3400RL. It all comes down to how comfortable you are with the risks. Looking at the big picture, retail price on a Megacab is $62k or more and a new Montana retail is $80k plus, is $2500 worth the gamble?

One word: Insurance.

[1retired06]

That short bed drives you to a slider. $2500 seems a bit questionable, quick check with camping world on line, 26K Husky slider for $1050, (likely minus the rail kit and installation). 16K slider for $840. Did not check other brands. Unless you wanted to move up to a heavier capacity hitch, I would stick with the Reese. When I bought my new truck last year, HitchWorld in Clearwater FL deinstalled my hitch (Reese 16K 4-Way, nonslider) from the old truck (including rails which were in good shape) and installed in my new truck for $350 which included a second hardwired electrical plug in the bed.

[Capt Kidd]

We have an 07 Mega Cab and a 2011 3400. Also have an 18K Super Glide. We can make greater than 90 degree turns with out hitting. The best part is never having to think about it, it just works. I wouldn.t be with out it.

[rames14]

What it is boiling down to for me is that I already have a perfectly good hitch. If I was buying for the first time now, the incremental cost may have allowed me to go toward the Super Glide. But, with the sunk cost I'm not sure that I want to part with $2500. Mike, a Super Glide is an automatic slider, which is why many people have them. That is why they cost a lot more. It doesn't sound like the price quoted is high for a Superglide. Thanks for the input, everyone. Yes, I know that I have to pull the lever, but that hasn't been a problem. And, I follow the "if in doubt, throw the lever" school of thought.

[exav8tr]

quote:Originally posted by rames14

What it is boiling down to for me is that I already have a perfectly good hitch. If I was buying for the first time now, the incremental cost may have allowed me to go toward the Super Glide. But, with the sunk cost I'm not sure that I want to part with $2500. Mike, a Super Glide is an automatic slider, which is why many people have them. That is why they cost a lot more. It doesn't sound like the price quoted is high for a Superglide. Thanks for the input, everyone. Yes, I know that I have to pull the lever, but that hasn't been a problem. And, I follow the "if in doubt, throw the lever" school of thought.

Ron, If I had your money, I would go with the Hensley Trailer Saver Hitch. Of course I don't even have an RV anymore, just wanted to pull your chain. I do think the Hensley hitches are the best on the market and it will save our trailer over the long run. No I do not work for Hensley, nor get comnmissions either, Just giving advice to an old friend......Phil

[kdeiss]

I would give that Reese a new paint job and keep it!

[mail2us]

Ron,

consider....http://bigdiscountrv.com/hitches-and...hitches...give them a call as an option. Believe they will ship to your dealer and if you ask maybe even free...depends...no sales tax...not $2500.

[CORattler]

X2
Get what you're comfortable with.
Many here use other than Superglide with no problems.
Me, I'm getting older and my memory isn't what it used to be ( and I hate messing with the rig in the rain or cold). I paid the big $$$$ for the Superglide but have been VERY happy with it. Not one complaint. One less thing to think about. Good luck no matter what you decide!

quote:Originally posted by Capt Kidd

We have an 07 Mega Cab and a 2011 3400. Also have an 18K Super Glide. We can make greater than 90 degree turns with out hitting. The best part is never having to think about it, it just works. I wouldn.t be with out it.

[rames14]

Dennis, by the time I add install and super rails, it's still up there in price. Phil, I agree if I was working it would be okay. I am planning on remedying that in April. CoRattler, that's what DW is for - so I don't forget. By the way, how far are you from Livermore, Colorado?

[1retired06]

Did not realize the different slider options; have always had long beds. In your shoes, I would do just as you have decided. Enjoy that new truck

[Devildog]

In moving the Reese slider from my gmc to my Ram 2012 longhorn mega cab, there is a set of frame brackets.that you will have to get to attach the rails properly. Install shop can get them easily. As for the.slider, don't always need it but it is good piece of mind.

[mhs4771]

You might want to check with Reese, they have been making custom frame brackets (much nicer that the universal brackets) for many of the newer trucks. The ones I got for our GM came with mounting bolts with "fish wire attached" and use existing holes in the frame so the only drilling was through the bed to mount the rails, no drilling through the frame.

[Devildog]

The ones that i bought for mine were no drill, and fit to attachment points that were setup at the.factory.