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Old 02-23-2014, 06:34 PM   #1
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slider hitch questions

As many of you know we are hunting for a new TV. Our plan is to eventually upgrade to a 5er. Knowing that my current truck has a long bed and is a pain in the rear to park we are looking at silverado 3500 Duramax crew cab with 6.5 ft beds on them. If we go this route I'm assuming I will need to go with a slider hitch. How does a slider hitch work and how is it activated? Does it make for a rougher ride when towing? I'm trying to decide if I should put up with the hassle of a long bed on a daily driver or will I be happy with a shorter bed and a slider. Thanks.
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Old 02-23-2014, 06:54 PM   #2
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I've got the duramax crew cab with a 6.5 ft box. Also was really concerned with the turning radius.
My first hitch was a curt slider for that reason. The slider was a pain to use and really wasn't needed. My 5vr has the curved front cap like all modern trailers have. So I upgraded to an air hitch (had bucking issues) with a superior head that made disconnecting 100 times easier.
So, slider wasn't needed.
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Old 02-23-2014, 07:00 PM   #3
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I have the Pullrite Superslide, and SuperRail kit on my ford.

It automatically slides when you back up, no need to get out of truck to throw a lever.

The rails remove from bed of truck so it is totally smooth.

Expensive, but I found mine on Craigslist for $500

I really like it, since I had the other style where you had to fool around with another lever. It was a pain in the butt.

link http://www.pullrite.com/
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Old 02-23-2014, 07:34 PM   #4
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I have a Reese 16K slider in my 6.5 foot bed. It isn't automatic, but it's very simple and easy to slide. I just move a lever to unlock, lightly apply the brakes and pull forward. Then just lock the lever again. I have some tight maneuvering to do in my backyard to turn the trailer around and back it into the carport, so I need a slider.
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Old 02-24-2014, 06:37 AM   #5
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I've towed fivers for 25 yrs now with 6.5 ft beds. I started before sliders were even available and front caps were pretty square and never had an issue. Did buy a manual slider in '03 just in case and even with the '04 Cruiser cap design I used it a total of 2 times, last time was either in '05 or '06. Can't see ever using it with the notched cap design. I still have the old fixed leg mounts that I found after our house fire and just this weekend decided it is time to clean and repaint them and will probably put them back into use.

However, when looking for a new truck, you need to pay attention to bed size. Actually cab-to-axle distance (C-A). GM is the longest at just under 42 inches, Ford is next at slightly less than 41 inches and Ram is shortest, under 38 inches. These differences will have a small impact on maximum turning angle. But in reality, with a notched cap fiver, all will turn sharper than you should ever need or want to turn. Even in a tight situation, as long as you pay attention, it is just a matter of jockeying back and forth to reduce the angle.

Finally, should you decide to go with one of the sub 6.5ft beds like on the Ram Megacab, then you really need an auto slider hitch since the reduction in bed length is totally at the expense of C-A.
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Old 02-24-2014, 12:48 PM   #6
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Just installed the B & W companion 3400 slider last week on my 2012 3500 dodge short box, was super easy and took me about 3 hours in total taking my time. It's flush mount when the base and coupler removed and easy to handle.

There's plenty of you tube video's on the B & W 3400 and the Pullrite super glide sliders and how the work.
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Old 02-24-2014, 01:07 PM   #7
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Superglide auto here for us....
with new 5er and the trailair pinbox, we MAY not need a slider, but 'just in case' we got it...

too many other things to think about when trying to back into a tight site or get out of a tight fuel station when some doofuss blocks you in
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Old 02-24-2014, 01:44 PM   #8
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Aileen
I like Johnboy & Mark have a Pull-rite Superglide. I can see Larry's point, but the way I looked at it when I bought my slider is, if I had a brain fart or just a bad day at least I didn't have to worry about the angle of my camper along with tree limbs and all the other stuff you have to watch when backing in a site. That's my story & I'm sticken to it.
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Old 02-24-2014, 02:55 PM   #9
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I have a "cheapo" slider that the dealer through in when I bought my Blue Ridge fiver three years ago. It is the kind that you have to get out of the truck, pull a handle, then get back in and pull forward to slide it back. I've found, however, that I rarely have to do that except when I am making a really tight turn backing in. Like some above have mentioned, with the front cap design of most of the newer fivers, the slider isn't as necessary as it once was. If you have any handicaps at all, I wouldn't recommend a manual slider. They can be tough to operate. I have to use a hammer on mine sometimes when I'm on a bit of an incline and it gets in a bind.
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Old 02-24-2014, 03:32 PM   #10
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I have a manual slider in a 6.5 box. So far, It has not been used......
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Old 02-24-2014, 04:46 PM   #11
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I have a Pullrite SuperGlide 18K and like it, its nice not to have to worry about tight turns. Then again I had a manual slider and never had to use it. Good luck on your decision.
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Old 02-24-2014, 07:57 PM   #12
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I also have the GMC CC 2500 HD, I purchased the Demco Highjacker 18k slider. I went with the under bed mounting. Its a little over built and heavy. I think I could have gotten by without the slider, but now I dont worry about damaging my truck or trailer.
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Old 02-24-2014, 08:14 PM   #13
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Ok thanks for the info guys. It was very helpful.
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Old 02-24-2014, 08:30 PM   #14
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If your getting a newer truck mine as well get a 5th wheel at the same time.
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Old 02-24-2014, 08:46 PM   #15
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Contemplating wants needs and desires and trying to make the wallet agree with all of those is not going well right now.
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Old 02-24-2014, 08:56 PM   #16
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Wish you the best in your decision.
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Old 02-25-2014, 07:59 AM   #17
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As a career truck driver, I would never turn down the opportunity to make life easier when backing! The Uncle who taught me to drive tractor trailer always told me to use all the space and equipment to your advantage when you can, so when you DO get into a tight spot you and your vehicle can handle the situation. Having said that...wallets sometimes speak louder than situations. In my short career as a camper, I have seen more issues with home parking issues than with camp parking problems. My opinion would be that if the wallet will let you, on a short box, get the slider. better to have and not use, than need and not have.
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Old 02-25-2014, 11:03 AM   #18
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Well said RAD - very much like the 4 wheel drive question on many sites
"better to have and not need than need and not have"

guess that goes for food and money and wimins too !
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Old 02-25-2014, 12:05 PM   #19
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wimin come in 4 wheel drive???
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Old 02-25-2014, 09:04 PM   #20
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and are they ridin or drivin?
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