Doing some shopping this 4th of july weekend fora nice camper. Wasnt lookin for anything extravigant, Just something to go out campin. Origionally set out for a travel trailer. I know how much there hated around here. But in my shopping I came across a very nice 5th wheel camper. Very nice, from shoppin on the net they seem to have a very fair price. ( this trailer is local though) Imagine shes pretty heavy 35 f double slide.

So then i thought lets see what the 5th wheel hitch costs, , And holy buckkets , I didnt realize id drop 2k into a hitch! i have a shortbed. Now i know why people buy long beds haha

All ive really looked at is the reese superglide. As i think ive read she will slide back automaticlly when making tight turns? But anyway what are some hitch options for short beds out there? Being 2k really cuts into my down payment :P Ah also. Im not sure how they all are attached. But it looks like some bolt to the bed frame? ANd it seems that others are frame rail mounted through the bed? I think id rather go with the latter of the two. Thanks for any advice

 

I have a Pullrite Superglide I love it. No getting out it slides back automatic. Pricey though 1900.00 with super rails. I can have a clean bed in 5 minutes. Bolts to the frame, you have to drill 4 -1 3/4 holes in your bed.

 

Bought my 5er with a normal 5th wheel hitch (Reese 14000 unit). Trailer cane with a short pinbox. Was cheaper to order the new pinbox that extended it 13 inches for $229. Thought about the slider, even tried one (the manual one) but the only time it is used was when doing sharp turns and backing up. How about when you are pulling into a difficult gas station, do you stop and extend your slider? with the extended pin box mine turns quite well and has very good clearance up to about 75 degree turning capabilityand allows just about any type of backing up. No time or trouble to slide hitch as I do not have a slider, just the extended pin box. Normal 5th wheel hitch, Reese 16000 unit is about $800 or so installed and an additional $300 for the long pinbox, much cheaper than the slider and in my opinion much more usable. Before buying the trailer be sure that an extended pin box is available and it only took me 1/2 hour to change it. Be sure to check the tightness of the attaching bolts after a short tow and recheck a few times to make sure they stay tight or get manufactures torque specifications. Look for a manufucturers label on the pinbox and call them to make sure they recommend changing it and if so go for it.

Just my oponion after checking it out....Don

 

The extended pin soudns liekk a great idea. The superglide is a good product no doubt. But the 1900 is just wow. and unless it somehow would know to slide back it isnt as appealing. Ill have to look into that thanks for the idea

 

Most 5vrs do offer extended pinboxes and I have one. I also have the Pullrite SuperGlide which you still need to ensure that I don't hit the cab of my truck with the 5vr.
What the extended pinbox gives you is the extra 9-14 inches to move the pin to the leading edge of 5vr, however yo can still hit the cab of the truck when turning hard. There are a few 5vrs that offer extended pinboxes due to the design of the frame so be very very very carefull.

Spend the money and get hte Pullrite SuperGlide You won't regret it, the first time yo don't have to get out of the truck in the middle of a downpour to manually slide the hitch.

 

I disagree about your comment on the slider opposed to the pin box extension. My pinbox extension got me 13" of additional clearance from the trailer to the truck. The Reese manual slider I was looking at also got 12 -14" additional clearance. The slider also moved the weight center to well behind the axle giving me less stering control, even though only limitedly. With the extended pin box weight is a constant on the hitch and loading of the truck is constant. The setback for lack of a better word is almost the same so clearance isn' an issue anymore than the slider. I always look carefully when backing or turning and watch for clearance issues. My first truck a 97 4X4 gasser short box worked fine and was a much lighter load. I have squeeked a window gasket on my 97 but since the I got the new truck & trailer have not even gotten close.

The only advantage I can see is that when backing up you will gain a little clearance with the cab if you are in an extreme situation, like 90 degrees or so by sliding the slider back, if not that extreme the setback should be enough for 95% of most situations.

Just my opinion....Don