Anyone tow with a shortbed? I know the advantages of a longbed but I do not want to pass up a shortbed if I find one for sale. Any problems towing with a SB with a 5th wheel or gooseneck?

 

I have a short bed and enoy it. See details and what I am towing below. As you know the rear of cab to center of rear axle is only 36.9 inches which could present a problem with the 5er. Not with my rig and the extended pin. DA was also nice to us as the rear of the cab slants toward the front when looking from the side which gives more clearance. My rig and setup works so well that I have not used the slider except for testing but am glad I have it when one day it will be needed.
The short bed with my rig was the right choice for me.

 

No problems at all. I don't have a slider...I do have an extended pin on my Keystone Cougar. Both vehicles tow it regularly. No difficulties backing or going forward and turning. My hitch is about 2" aft of the axle; the wifes is about 1" forward.

Edited by Moderator

 

I have no problem with my 5er. Be sure you get an extended pin on the trailter. I can get mine to 90 degrees without hitting the rear window.

 

Here are a couple of related links HERE and HERE<br> I've never had a problem yet with my set-up. ;D The pin box on the Keystone Cougar is the one it came from the factory with and I do have my non-sliding hitch adjusted to where the kingpin is just a tad behind the axle instead of in front of it, but it pulls like a dream. ;D<br><br>

 

Thanks for the input gang. I've never owned a shortbed so all the info will come in handy. I love the look of the shortbed Rams.

 

I also tow my 5er with a SB. My Wanderer Wagon came with a extended pin box, and I put the hitch in right over the axle. I have the slider but haven't had to use it yet, looks like I will need a notched tailgate to use it anyway.



This pic is from a trip to CA early this year, last year we took a buddies dually CTD and same trailer. Both trucks handled very well convincing me of my decision to get the SB.

 

I also tow my 5th wheel with a shortbed truck. My 5th has the extended pin box and I have the slider 5th wheel hitch and have never had to use it.

 

I agree with the rest. Have slider on my S.B. and didn't use it yet. I have been in some tight spots (service stations and fast food joints). No problem backing into campsites either. My couple cents worth.

 

I have used my slider but only to get it into the place I park it at home. I have to go around a power pole then to the right then to the left and it is tough. I have not seen a camp site yet that I have to use the slide for but it is there if I need it.
Jim O

 

I have and have a ding in the back of my cab to prove it... Spend the money on a sliding hitch

 

I used to tow with a shortbed... no problems and never used the slider, although I would recommend it just in case! Of course now I have the slider in my longbed... :


Tony

 

I too have the slider but have yet to use it, but you never know, might need it sometime in a real tight spot.

 

For the uninformed, what do you mean when you say an extended pin box? I think I know but a little knowledge can go along way!

 

A lot of the older 5th's had the kingpin going straight down under the trailer, which was ok for long beds but not the short. Most of the newer 5th's have a king pin that extends out past the front of the trailer made to accomadate the SB trucks. My Keystone Cougar has it a good foot past or more.