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02-23-2014, 06:34 PM
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#1
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mebane, NC
Posts: 2,394
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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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2014 Chevy Silverado 3500 SRW Duramax
2011 Zinger ZT26BL-sold
2014 Sabre 34REQS
***Member of the Mason-Dixon Group***
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02-23-2014, 06:54 PM
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#2
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New Camper
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: MN
Posts: 5
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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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2013 cruiser 315QB Patriot
2008 Chev Duramax CC short bed
2007 Alumacraft Trophy 185 with Suzuki 175
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02-23-2014, 07:00 PM
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#3
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5,731
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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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Mark & Susan
Lehighton, Pennsylvania
EAGLE HT FIFTH WHEEL | 30.5CKTS - '13 Ford F150 SCREW - PullRite Superslide - Roadmaster Active Suspension
Member - "Northeast Adventures RV Rally Group" & "Mason-Dixon Bunch"
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02-23-2014, 07:34 PM
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#4
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Site Team
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: VA
Posts: 1,726
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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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2013 Silverado 2500HD LTZ CC 6.6L Duramax Diesel
2023 Rockwood 2445WS
Buster, miniature Dachshund
2024: 3 trips, 30 nights in 9 states, 5421 miles
2023: 9 trips, 48 nights in 12 states, 2 provinces, 8120 miles
2019: 7 trips, 43 nights in 6 states, 3904 miles
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02-24-2014, 06:37 AM
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#5
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Texas
Posts: 1,508
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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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Larry Day
Texas Baptist Men-Retiree Builders member since '01
13 Silverado 3500HD D/A, 2wd CCSB srw, custom RKI bed
11 Cruiser CF32MK
https://www.picturetrail.com/dayle1
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02-24-2014, 12:48 PM
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#6
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New Camper
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Alberta
Posts: 5
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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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02-24-2014, 01:07 PM
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#7
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DFW, TexUS
Posts: 1,032
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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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02-24-2014, 01:44 PM
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#8
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 2,776
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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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Rosie & Tommy
Coatesville Pa.
2017 Ford F350 Lariat Power Stoke DW
2022 Alliance Avenue 32RLS
In God We Trust
A proud member of the one percent...Semper Fi
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02-24-2014, 02:55 PM
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#9
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 581
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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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Mike in Tennessee
2007 Cruiser 30QB
2008 Ford F250 Lariat 4x4 6.4 Powerstroke
Valley 16K slider
Ride-Rite air bags
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02-24-2014, 03:32 PM
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#10
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Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Nova Scotia Can
Posts: 198
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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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Roselyn and Darrell
2007.5 Silverado LT/EFI Live Tuned Duramax/6Spd Allison/Banks Ram Air with Super Scoop/Edge CTS Gauges/Air Lift Load Lifter 5000 Ultimate Air Springs
2014 335ss Cruiser Provincial
Retired Navy
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02-24-2014, 04:46 PM
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#11
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Illinois
Posts: 660
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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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Chris & Karen- Heyworth, Illinois
2009 CF32BL pulled by a 2011 RAM 2500 CTD 4x4
PullRite Superglide 18K hitch
2015stats:
Nights: 28
Miles: 3245
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02-24-2014, 07:57 PM
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#12
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Weekend Camper
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Texas/ Relocating to Mass.
Posts: 43
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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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02-24-2014, 08:14 PM
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#13
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mebane, NC
Posts: 2,394
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Ok thanks for the info guys. It was very helpful.
__________________
2014 Chevy Silverado 3500 SRW Duramax
2011 Zinger ZT26BL-sold
2014 Sabre 34REQS
***Member of the Mason-Dixon Group***
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02-24-2014, 08:30 PM
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#14
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5,731
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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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Mark & Susan
Lehighton, Pennsylvania
EAGLE HT FIFTH WHEEL | 30.5CKTS - '13 Ford F150 SCREW - PullRite Superslide - Roadmaster Active Suspension
Member - "Northeast Adventures RV Rally Group" & "Mason-Dixon Bunch"
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02-24-2014, 08:46 PM
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#15
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Mebane, NC
Posts: 2,394
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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.
__________________
2014 Chevy Silverado 3500 SRW Duramax
2011 Zinger ZT26BL-sold
2014 Sabre 34REQS
***Member of the Mason-Dixon Group***
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02-24-2014, 08:56 PM
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#16
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5,731
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Wish you the best in your decision.
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Mark & Susan
Lehighton, Pennsylvania
EAGLE HT FIFTH WHEEL | 30.5CKTS - '13 Ford F150 SCREW - PullRite Superslide - Roadmaster Active Suspension
Member - "Northeast Adventures RV Rally Group" & "Mason-Dixon Bunch"
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02-25-2014, 07:59 AM
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#17
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Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Virginia
Posts: 183
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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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Ralph and Deborah
Northern Virginia
2011 Ford F250, 6.7 turbo diesel
SCT Flash 4X tune
Billstein upgrade shocks and dampener
2008 Crossroads Cruiser 32BL
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02-25-2014, 11:03 AM
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#18
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Full Time Camper
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: DFW, TexUS
Posts: 1,032
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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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02-25-2014, 12:05 PM
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#19
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Site Team
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: PA
Posts: 5,731
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wimin come in 4 wheel drive???
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Mark & Susan
Lehighton, Pennsylvania
EAGLE HT FIFTH WHEEL | 30.5CKTS - '13 Ford F150 SCREW - PullRite Superslide - Roadmaster Active Suspension
Member - "Northeast Adventures RV Rally Group" & "Mason-Dixon Bunch"
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02-25-2014, 09:04 PM
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#20
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Family Vacation Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Virginia
Posts: 183
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and are they ridin or drivin?
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Ralph and Deborah
Northern Virginia
2011 Ford F250, 6.7 turbo diesel
SCT Flash 4X tune
Billstein upgrade shocks and dampener
2008 Crossroads Cruiser 32BL
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