Slider hitch

[Captain#]

Does anyone have a recommendation on whether to install a slider hitch for a short Bed 2500/3500

[Mikelff]

Originally Posted by Captain#

Does anyone have a recommendation on whether to install a slider hitch for a short Bed 2500/3500

A “short bed” is really a standard 6’6” bed. I have a B&W slider hitch and a standard bed. To my surprise, I can go 45 degrees and not have my front cap hit my truck. I suspect its because of how my cap is built. Its a 40’ Montana and thought I might have an issue so I got the slider. I doubt you will be making many turns at a 45 angle but some maneuvering may get you close. So, the only answer is...it depends. Depends on the cap of your 5er. In hind sight, I could have gone with the standard hitch. I did use the slide feature one time as a precaution as I went past a 45 angle to swing the front over about 4 feet in a tight spot. So If its a concern, go ahead and get the slider. Better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. Thats how I looked at it.

[triplebvalp]

Originally Posted by Mikelff

To my surprise, I can go 45 degrees and not have my front cap hit my truck. I suspect its because of how my cap is built. Its a 40’ Montana and thought I might have an issue so I got the slider. I doubt you will be making many turns at a 45 angle but some maneuvering may get you close.

Mikelff, I hope you meant to type 90 degrees ;-)

Originally Posted by Captain#

Does anyone have a recommendation on whether to install a slider hitch for a short Bed 2500/3500

Captain#, I had a 2015 Silverado 2500 standard bed truck, pulling a 31' Jayco FW. I did have a sliding hitch, but never used it. I could turn about 80 degrees without hitting the cab of the truck.

[Jamesb]

Slider not needed 98% of the time, but that 2% will bite you faster than a snake. It’s kinda like having an insurance policy. I have a Pullrite Auto slider, and never have to look back when turning. If they make a product to prevent accidents, I will buy it. I towed years without one, but my DW always freaked out when I was getting too close to the cab. Wifey is even happier. Good luck.

[DQDick]

We've always had a Pullrite auto slider. Before we even went full time I had a frend who nicked his cab and broke the back window in his truck. The hitch is expensive, but his bill for replacing the cab window with a sliding middle and the other minor damage wasn't much less than what my high dollar hitch cost. Since then we've actually needed it about once a year when I can make the turns I want without having to figure something else out. We used to work for Fish and Wildlife in the winters and have put the trailer in some interesting spots.

[Captain#]

Thank you!!! We are looking at a Montana 3120 and DO pull into some tight places.

[twindman]

Have a friend that didn't have a slider. He turned too short and dented the cab and the corner of the trailer. Insurance said - 2 vehicles, 2 deductibles!! I think he had $500 each, so a slider pays for itself with one accident.
Also, I pulled in to a state park in June Lake, Ca. after I missed my turn for the in town rv park. I assumed a state park would have space to drive thru. Wrong - a tight cul de sac at the end. I turned at about 90 degrees and my front bumper brushed the bushes on the side of the road!! I have also done U-turns on some roads that had a little extra space too. (not that I recommend this!)
p.s. I have a pullrite autoslider.

[Rude-Dude]

I have 2005 gmc 2500 extended cab with the duramax...I tow a 38 foot Monty no problems, I had to make a u turn with no problems (90 plus degrees) with no slider...the dealer said you will not need a slider...he was was absolutely correct....

[CFDFireman90]

I have the B&W slider in a short bed F-350. I can go almost 90 degrees on level ground without sliding to the rear position. That being said. I’d rather have it and not need it than find out the hard way that I needed it.

[dhuhn]

I have a pullrite slider wouldn’t be without it. Cheep insurance and peace of mind when doing a sharp turn.

[Markra]

B&W companion slider. Works great when I need it. I am not an expert backer so I use mine every time I put it back in storage.

[Nightop]

Love my Demco autoslide in my Ford 350 SB. Don't have to worry about it, it just works without intervention.

[kjohn6363]

I have a B&W slider 5th Wheel

[phillyg]

We have a short bed 2005 F350 and 2016 3711FL. Towed it a couple of times without a slider and they kissed in a gas station when on a sharp angle, but only a scratch. Have a Demco 18k slider now. Sliders main issue is weight if you need to remove/replace

[luschmeister]

I have 2017 Ram 3500 Megacab, I bought a B&W Sliding hitch when I purchased my Montana. I have never needed to use it but, I would rather have it and not need it than not have it when I do need it.

I will say that it is a very heavy hitch.

[Sharmanclan]

I have had a slider hitch for 11 years, firstly a Reese and now a Curt Q20 on our Sierra 3500. We tow a HC330RL and so far have not needed it but I have come close. I can’t turn as sharply as I could with my last 5er so glad I have it despite the bulk and weight.

[fulltilt]

We used a Pullrite #4400 Auto Slider for 8 years in a GMC,6'6" box, SRW, never an issue, put 70,000 miles on it, sold the truck & have now moved the hitch to a 2018 Ram 3500. I pulled a Montana 3402.

[Mark7]

I have had a Reese manual slide for a few years now (stumbled on it on CL) and it was in my old 8' box Dodge for most of that time.

Now I have a '14 Ram truck with the 6' 6" box and the same hitch. I went to an empty parking lot with the rig to experiment (2004 3295RK) and was really surprised what I could get by with. In my neighborhood there is 120º corner at a 4 ways stop sign and I can go around that corner without sliding. NOTE: just because the corner is 120º the pickup / trailer combination is nowhere near that tight to get around that corner... maybe 60º.

I can get into trouble. I cannot turn the rig with the trailer any more than about 80º to the truck or the cap will hit the cab, but on a recent 600 mile trip I never got into a situation where I had to slide it, including backing into my campsite.

That being said... I am glad to have the option to slide it if I ever needed to.

Remember... even with an 8' box you can hit your truck with your trailer if you get stupid!

[mhs4771]

I think with most 8' beds you would have to be past 90 degrees before hitting. I know I would have to be jack knifed past 90 to have a problem, then the tires wouldn't be rolling, but just sliding sideways

[Rozeboom]

Get a long box