I am about to purchase an Outback 31 foot fifthwheel, and the dealer's shop sells either Reese or Husky hitches (sliders). I have a 2006 CTD 2500 standard bed. I assume these are manual sliders. Any special concerns I should consider? Are either of these hitches one I should avoid?

 

There is absolutely no need for a slider with a long bed truck. I would avoid more moving parts in a set up if at all possible (more to fail).
If they are a Reese dealer that can get you a Signature Series. They are differently designed and built from the standard Reese/Drawtite.

I would tell them to get you one of these or give you a $1,000 credit so you can choose your own hitch.

Heres mine:

 

I actually a 6 foot bed, so I assume the slider is needed.

 

Ah, yes, you will indeed need a slider.

There are many options out there, I've heard good and bad about most all of them. I would suggest checking out www.rv.net , you'll get more of a response on something like this over there.

 

Just the standard Reese slider will be fine...and cheap. If you have money to spend a Pullrite SuperGlide can't be beat.

Here's what I'm doing:

B&W Turnover Ball gooseneck with Companion 5th wheel hitch. If I need some sort of extender or slider for more clearance I plan on getting 5th Airbornes new Sidewinder pin box. If the coach has an extended pin box a slider, etc. may not be necessary.

 

I have the Reese Signature Series Slider. I like the fact that I can remove the hitch assembly and not have rails in the bed of the truck, just 4 plugs where the hitch mounts.

 

I fully recommend the pullrite superglide, IMHO it is worth every penny and more. When I am done with it there is nothing but 4 holes that I can put plugs in,,I never ever have to worry about hitting my cab with the trailer, and I dont have to remember to slide the hitch back, or fool around trying to get it to slide back. Another thing, I used to have a reese slider hitch, I had it in the back position, went through a dip, and dented my tailgate,,real bad. That is when I seen the pullrite unit, went and bought it, never looked back, wouldnt be without it now

kevin

 

Caseyclan

Hope you are happy with your hitch choice and your Outback. I have one as well. So far, VERY pleased.

 

I have the 15K Reese slider. I had it in my '01 Chevy HD S/B and now in my '06 Dodge S/B. I have never had to use the slider for any situation other than to see what is the big deal. It is piece of mind to have it, but haven't needed it.

Also, the Reese rail kit requires you to drill into the frame (which I did). The Valley (Husky) kit is a drill-free installation.

 

Here's my Sig Series with slider.