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Old 01-12-2014, 08:59 AM   #1
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Can I beat the Sliding hitch vs fixed hitch Thread to death again?

Newbie here. Been lurking, using the search function and seasrching the web. Ive read countless hours of threads on weather I need a sliding hitch or not.

Heres the problem. I have a f-250 6-3/4 bed and I just ordred a new Crusader trailer. I almost bought a superglide hitch and while I have heard how great they are, I dont think I can deal with the size a weight of this thing.

I'd like to pull the trigger and get a standard fixed reese 20k hitch. Its alittle over 100 lbs so I can handle remove and install easily. I dont have want to leave a hitch hanging from the pin box and dont want to have to get any winch lift system.

I'd like to hear from people that either are using just a fixed hitch in thier shortbed and if they have had any real problems or those who have a manual slider and have never used it or found they didnt need too?
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Old 01-12-2014, 09:07 AM   #2
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I have an F350 CCSB and I will buy an auto slider when we get a fiver.
If I need it only once in 26 years it will be worth it.
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Old 01-12-2014, 09:12 AM   #3
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When I had a short box truck I had a slider hitch I had to use it a few times I still have the slider hitch in my new truck witch is a long box if I were you I would get the sliding hitch I would rather have a slider hitch and never use it then not have it and need one
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Old 01-12-2014, 09:35 AM   #4
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I keep hearing that the manual slider hitches are noisy, and the one when people finally get around to using them they dont simily slide, but instead you have to jack down the trailer get the weight off and then slide them back. That doesnt seem worth it to me. I would think taking a little longer to back into that spot wpould be easier than all that. For that reason I was leaning towards the superglide. But at 200lbs Id have to make sure someone is around to help get it out of the truck or use a forklift. Not the eaiest when I want to run and go pick something up and this thing is stuck in the back of the truck. Plus the superglide is real big and since it is always moving I have to be real careful not to put anytghing around the hitch like a cooler or firewood.
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Old 01-12-2014, 09:46 AM   #5
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I've always kept my slider rails lubed and move the hitch every now and then I can still slide mine back and forth by hand when the 5er is not connected
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Old 01-12-2014, 09:46 AM   #6
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I have a 295RST Crusader and a F-150HD with a 6/5 bed. I went with a Reese Manual 16K slider. I can easily pop the hitch head and take it out in 2 pieces. Not too bad to man handle at all. I've yet to have to use the slider function but it is there should I ever need to.
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Old 01-12-2014, 09:52 AM   #7
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Hi,
I'll throw one more possibility into the mix I didn't want the weight or the cost of a slider. Ended up with the Reese R16 and a Sidewinder. That was about 10,000 miles ago - it works great for us. Here are some pics and info: Towing a 5th Wheel | Small Home - Big Yard
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Old 01-12-2014, 10:03 AM   #8
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I have a 2010 tundra DC with 6.5' bed. Installed Reese 16k slider for my wildcat fiver, even after being told I wouldn't need it. Being a newby, I didn't want to risk it. I now tow a rockwood fiver and have never needed the slider with either. I think front cap shape played a lot in me not needing it with the wildcat and the rockwood has a Reese revolution (sidewinder).
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Old 01-12-2014, 10:07 AM   #9
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We chose the Pullrite hitch with removable rails so it can be completely removed from the bed when not in use. I can't quite handle the hitch removal by myself but still have a college student around to help with that task. If you don't have some extra muscle around to lend a quick hand you might want to look at other options that might be lighter. B&W makes a slider that some forum members speak highly of but I have no idea how much the hitch weighs. As for hauling stuff in the bed with our Pullrite hitch, we do it all the time. Just make sure the slide can pivot freely and all other areas are safe to use. We use bungee straps to secure ice chest/firewood/portable dump tank while travelling. Zero problems.
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Old 01-12-2014, 10:09 AM   #10
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I don't have a slider hitch and have pulled 3 different 5er's with it (one of them is the older square front end) and have never had a problem. Like others have said, if you feel you have to have a slider then most of the hitches no days will come out of the truck in two parts making it lighter to deal with. I usually take my non-slider out in two pieces just to make it easier to handle.
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Old 01-12-2014, 10:11 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dcheatwood View Post
I have a 2010 tundra DC with 6.5' bed. Installed Reese 16k slider for my wildcat fiver, even after being told I wouldn't need it. Being a newby, I didn't want to risk it. I now tow a rockwood fiver and have never needed the slider with either. I think front cap shape played a lot in me not needing it with the wildcat and the rockwood has a Reese revolution (sidewinder).
Everyone I have ever talk to about this subject anyone with a 6.5 bed never needed or used their slider. The sliders are good for bed less then that. Most of the newer trailer designs have a rounded front compared to years ago.
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Old 01-12-2014, 10:26 AM   #12
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Everyone I have ever talk to about this subject anyone with a 6.5 bed never needed or used their slider. The sliders are good for bed less then that. Most of the newer trailer designs have a rounded front compared to years ago.

This is what I am finding. But theres alot of info both ways. A freind of mine has a slider. Says he used it once, it was a pain to get it unlocked and rolled back and never used it again. The crusader has the super turn cap and extended pin box. I was hoping if I am mindful and careful when backing I would be fine with a fixed. Ive heard many people say they have the slider and never used it or they used it and werent sure if they even needed it.

Is there anyone with a round front trailer 6.5' bed that doesnt had it and wished they did?
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Old 01-12-2014, 10:52 AM   #13
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With the newer caps you can turn over 80 degrees. I do not understand why people say they have a problem with it. Unless it is just the hitch itself. I have a Husky slider 16k. You pull the handle and go forward and it locks in the slide position. I only used mine twice but was glad I had it. (THANK YOU GPS) took me down a wrong road. I still have the slider but now have a revolution pin. People say sliders are noisy and a lot of movement not on a Husky. Now I just keep it locked forward. But it did save my butt twice with my older Jayco square nose trailer. A lot of State Parks are hard to get in your space by just there lay outs. You just have to work your way in slowly without the slider. It will all work out to peace of mind verses cost, I prefer peace of mine anymore. What I have left of it.
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Old 01-12-2014, 10:52 AM   #14
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I think they are more needed for the 5' beds rather than the 6.5' bed length
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Old 01-12-2014, 11:04 AM   #15
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A lot of people say that they would rather have a slider hitch and it is great peace of mind. As mentioned most people do not even use theirs and you still have to be aware, when backing, if the slider should be engaged. The only peace of mind I can see is if you engage it every time you back up which I never hear anyone doing. Even with a slider you have to beware of the distance between your truck and the trailer just has you have to beware of that tree next to your site. It all part of backing or driving forward, being aware.
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Old 01-12-2014, 11:19 AM   #16
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I've got an f250 short box and pull a new crusader. I went with the pullrite auto slider.
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Old 01-12-2014, 11:28 AM   #17
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It won't be long before someone comes out with a slider receiver for travel trailer so they can get 90* too....... LOL!
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Old 01-12-2014, 12:40 PM   #18
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My PullRite auto slide was just a "in case" thing. I know it moves and slides back when ever I back into my storage site. I know the front of my Columbus can get very close to the cab. I also know that a single contact, either by virtue of the site being backed into or the road approach, will cause $2-5k of damage to truck/rig. A few hundred bucks for piece of mind, not having to go out in the rain, in the early evening to release the slide, lock it place then maneuver the rig to it slot, then do it again is just not worth the hassle and the "I thought it would clear" statement and watching your rear window implode.
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Old 01-12-2014, 08:06 PM   #19
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My PullRite auto slide was just a "in case" thing. I know it moves and slides back when ever I back into my storage site. I know the front of my Columbus can get very close to the cab. I also know that a single contact, either by virtue of the site being backed into or the road approach, will cause $2-5k of damage to truck/rig. A few hundred bucks for piece of mind, not having to go out in the rain, in the early evening to release the slide, lock it place then maneuver the rig to it slot, then do it again is just not worth the hassle and the "I thought it would clear" statement and watching your rear window implode.
There ya go.
Well put my friend.
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Old 01-13-2014, 06:14 AM   #20
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There ya go.
Well put my friend.
And there ya go.

Two people admitting they can't drive.

This guy should have gotten a slider.........


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