I want to thank everyone that helped me with this most difficult decision on the selection of a short bed SRW 3500 or dually and hitch selection. After selecting the short bed (will fit in my garage and easy to tour cities) had big decision on what hitch to go with, Pullrite or the Reese. After a long and hard deliberation decided on the Reese 16k Kwik Slider and it was installed on Saturday. Truck and RV matched up with hitch set at highest level and did not have to raise the RV, producing 6 inches clearance from bed rail. The great concern that I had about hitting the cab was unfounded but I learned a lot from all the research. Going forward I just don’t see hitting the cab. In the tightest turn I could make I still had 6 to 8 inches clearance without the slider engaged. That is with my setup. With a different RV, different result would be obtained. I do have concern with hitting the tailgate with the slider engaged. Have towed without the tailgate so far. Will solve that problem next.<br><br>Some may question why I picked the Reese over the Pullrite. I had concerns and maybe lack of understanding with the Pullrite about (1) the limitation on the angle necessary for hitching and unhitching; (2) the unanswered question in my mind concerning my pin box being too small and requiring some sort of pin box modification to make it work and (3) my dealers experience installing and understanding the Pullrite which was none. I received terrific input from many of you but it was my decision to live with. I feel I made the correct decision for me.<br><br>The new Dodge requires towing no faster than 50 mph for the first 500 miles. I put it on the interstate with cruise on and towed 173.4 miles, pulling off 3 times to vary things and used 11.83 gallons, producing 14.66 mpg. Of course once the speed is picked up the mileage will decrease. Non-towing at 55 mph interstate and combined city driving (maybe 60%/40% interstate/city) over two tanks of fuel has produced 20.16 mpg. Part of the towing test was conducted in a parking lot checking cab clearance and slider operation.<br><br>My truck easily towed my RV (loaded weight of 9750 lbs with a pin weight of 2025lbs) without any problem and plenty of power. I will say the ride is not as good on rough roads while towing, which is probably due to the shorter wheelbase compared to the dually’s longer wheelbase and stronger springs as compared with my old 1996 2500 Ram. Since I have never towed with a dually I have no experience to compare it with.<br><br>My first camping trip will start this weekend for 4 days. Thanks again for all the help.<br>

 

KenR, glad things worked out to your satisfaction and calculations. There's nothing worse than doing a lot of research and having the outcome not what you wanted or expected.<br><br>I'm going to contact SunnyBrook and see if I can get the same extended pin box that you have, but I doubt that they will recommend it since I have the bedroom slide. I have the intermediate extended pin which is several inches shorter than yours.<br><br>Enjoy your first camp outing with the new truck. With several inches of snow on the ground its going to be several weeks before I can get my 5ver out of the barn.<br><br>rlyoung

 

Are you the young that I communicated with a few months ago? I think so. I remember you were towing with an earlier year Dodge and my RV with the bedroom slide. I remember you not having the extended pin and with only three inches difference in our cab to rear axle and your pin was 9 inches less than I had that if you could do it, so could I. Your situation went a long way in helping me make my decision.<br><br>I remember when I purchased my RV the dealer told me that if you had the bedroom slide you could not have an extended pin. However, I also remember the dealer telling me that Sunnybrook was testing for the extended pin on the bedroom slide. Give them a call, you never know.<br>Thanks

 

Hi Ken,<br><br>Sounds like all has come together into a very desirable package for you. I am tickled for you. I towed with short bed in the last truck and no slider. Just had to be careful. Never any damage, but came close a couple of times mostly in emergency situations.<br><br>Have a great and safe trip this week. <br><br>Bob

 

This test is for the back of the pin hitting the tailgate. <br><br>I just hooked up in the back yard. After putting the tailgate in a semi open position (used the tailgate cable positioned over the close bracket) I extended the slide while straight. I measured the distance from the extended tailgate to the RV. It was 28 inches. I turned the RV pretty hard going forward and the closest the tailgate got was 20 inches from the RV. I then backed it up (extended position) and again the tailgate got about 20 inches from the RV. I backed up in a very tight position ( I believe I could come very close to 90 degrees) and had no problem.<br><br>Test successful. Good to go.......... for my setup. Gone camping for a few days.