sliding hitch 2

BS

bsdf200

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mead
I am trying to decide which slider to get, so let's hear from all the short beds out there. What do you have, and are you happy with it?
 
I’ve got the B&W Companion slider on my short bed, and yeah, I’m happy with it. It’s solid, smooth, and super easy to remove when I need the full bed.

The slider gives just enough clearance when backing into tighter spots. Only thing I’d say is, if you’re towing something with a rounded front cap, you might not always need to slide, just depends on the trailer
 
I have had a pullrite auto-slider since 2006. They have great customer service. I even spent about 30-60 minutes talking to the owner a long time ago. I had gone in because, apparently the rv dealer installed the wrong hitch plate or something. We talked while the customer service guy got the proper part and installed it for me. At no cost.. It was not in any way their fault.
 
I had a manual slider for years and seldom used it, mainly because it was a nuisance move. I’m also of the camp that believes that if you need to get the nose close enough to the back window to break it then you should have made more shallow angle moves while backing up. Those severe backing angles are a big part of what is wrecking havoc on the frames and spring hangers. That being said I highly recommend an auto slider because my real fear was not backing into a site, but finding yourself having to make an tight turn unexpectedly due to traffic or just being in a hurry and not thinking about how tight a turn you are making. A slider not moved is just a hitch.
 
IMO , and yes I’ve had manual sliders , and never used them . I now have the Andersen steel hitch . I have the shortest of the beds the Ram 3500 short bed or standard if you will with the new terminology. I have no issues with hitting the cab , but like all things, you have to be aware .

I know the naysayers say otherwise, but been towing with a short bed for about 20 years , and have not needed a slider .
 
Like most things in life, it comes down to personal preference. What works for one won’t for the next.

We have short box with a Demco Autoslide (puck system). Two reasons I chose a slider
1) the obvious reason of ensuring no contact sport with truck and trailer
2) didn’t want to remember to pull a lever to engage (stop, get out, etc)

It’s one thing to remember in calm scenarios like bright sunshine, no one around and time is on your side. When you find yourself in that less than ideal scenario, it’s raining, your tired, the camp site isn’t level, it’s not a pull through, and your neighbors arrived early-parked close and you get the picture…

Like I said, it comes down to personal preference of what you are willing to deal with.

Best wishes on your journey, enjoy self and be safe!!

Curt
 
Just to throw some extra grease on the gears, have you ever considered a "sidewinder"?????

Click here.

Not mine, but one I saw:

95ioJq1.jpg
 
daboom11 said:
After replacing one rear window, I have the B&W Companion Slide. Works great as long as you're straight.
Click to expand...

Curious , what hitch did you have when you broke the window ?

I understand how they get broke ,but what I don't understand is why someone does not see what position they are in when they make contact . I don't want to turn , or back that tight for a number reasons besides breaking windows ,denting cabs, and damaging the fifth wheel .

As said in a previous post , I tow with an Andersen fixed hitch , and have not come close to my cab backing or otherwise .
 
PSFORD99 said:
Curious , what hitch did you have when you broke the window ?

I understand how they get broke ,but what I don't understand is why someone does not see what position they are in when they make contact . I don't want to turn , or back that tight for a number reasons besides breaking windows ,denting cabs, and damaging the fifth wheel .

As said in a previous post , I tow with an Andersen fixed hitch , and have not come close to my cab backing or otherwise .
Click to expand...
I was hoping you would not ask LOL.

So, I was traveling on the backroads looking for an RV spot at a State Park in Tennessee. I turned down an unmarked road that was a Dead End! Well, I had a 30' road and 58' of truck & trailer. I was already in a bind and couldn't get the slide to unlock. So, I maneuvered the best I could until the edge of the cap just barely touched the glass and of course it popped into 1000 pieces! As long as you're straight and know you're going to need it, it works great, and the cap doesn't get close to the glass.

Hello, Safelite? Yeah, I'll hold. LOL
 
daboom11 said:
I was hoping you would not ask LOL.

So, I was traveling on the backroads looking for an RV spot at a State Park in Tennessee. I turned down an unmarked road that was a Dead End! Well, I had a 30' road and 58' of truck & trailer. I was already in a bind and couldn't get the slide to unlock. So, I maneuvered the best I could until the edge of the cap just barely touched the glass and of course it popped into 1000 pieces! As long as you're straight and know you're going to need it, it works great, and the cap doesn't get close to the glass.

Hello, Safelite? Yeah, I'll hold. LOL
Click to expand...
Sorry to hear that . It happens , was just curious.
 
I am glad I have a Pullrite slider. Once in the June Lake, Ca. area I turned in to a state park. Went down a road to a campsite area. Kind of a dead end with about a 40-50 foot circular cul-de-sac. I just cranked the wheel as far as it would go and had a few feet to spare and got out ok.
 
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