2013 Ford F250 Crewcab 6.75' box - 8285ws - slider or not?

grampscamper · 02-19-2013, 10:52 AM

Ordered F250 Crewcab 6.75' box with 5th wheel prep package. Own a 2011 Rockwood 8285ws with fixed extended pin box 1621. Would like to purchase Reese Elite non slider hitch.
Anyone using this combo? Do I need a slider?
Thanks

garbonz · 02-19-2013, 11:03 AM

Measure it. In general, distance from the hitch point of the truck, (eg center of axle) plus the extended pin box offset (center of pin perpendicular to the front edge of trailer needs to be at least 48 inches (51 inches in a wide body) to be safe.

EdJunior · 02-19-2013, 12:36 PM

In general, most, if not all new 5ers do not need a sliding hitch. However, there may be that one time in a really tight turn, you'll wish you had it. I have not needed mine yet, but I have it just in case. Peace of mind.

Dave_Monica · 02-19-2013, 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grampscamper

Ordered F250 Crewcab 6.75' box with 5th wheel prep package. Own a 2011 Rockwood 8285ws with fixed extended pin box 1621. Would like to purchase Reese Elite non slider hitch.
Anyone using this combo? Do I need a slider?
Thanks

I've used the slider a couple of times for backing into a really tight spots with our F250/8280WS, more as a precaution than a necessity. I don't know where exactly the king pin centerline would be for the Ford factory install...I installed my Reese hitch as per their instructions which places the king pin centerline 4" in front of the axle centerline. Also, the lower front corner on the Rockwood 5ver front cap isn't bevelled back as with others. You'll probably be okay, though I'd go with the slider as it can reduce some sphincter clenching backing into a tight spot.

Dave

grampscamper · 02-19-2013, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave_Monica

I've used the slider a couple of times for backing into a really tight spots with our F250/8280WS, more as a precaution than a necessity. I don't know where exactly the king pin centerline would be for the Ford factory install...I installed my Reese hitch as per their instructions which places the king pin centerline 4" in front of the axle centerline. Also, the lower front corner on the Rockwood 5ver front cap isn't bevelled back as with others. You'll probably be okay, though I'd go with the slider as it can reduce some sphincter clenching backing into a tight spot.

Dave

I think the hitch will be 2" ahead of the axle. It looks like your setup is close to mine. The dealer tells me I don't need the slider. The truck is on order & won't be here for a few weeks. I have time to make sure. I'll take some measurements.
Thanks for your help.

WEMig · 02-19-2013, 01:48 PM

I've got a 2012 F250. Don't need a slider for my Crusader.

grampscamper · 02-19-2013, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WEMig

I've got a 2012 F250. Don't need a slider for my Crusader.

Had a look at it on Youtube. Front looks similar to mine.
That is one very NICE looking trailer.
Thanks.

fkent1 · 02-19-2013, 02:07 PM

I have a 2011 F250 and don't have a slider. The trailer 8528IKWS came with side winder but don't think I needed it. Attached is a link which shows how to measurement under installing.

Pin Boxes - Reese

bob34787 · 02-19-2013, 02:10 PM

same box in my 08, had a slider used it once, current setup 8' box with 5th wheel prep. you can save a few $$ if you can find a reese signature series, fits the same as the elite.

fkent1 · 02-19-2013, 02:17 PM

Sorry wrong link.

Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret - 16,000 lbs Reese Fifth Wheel King Pin RP61420

grampscamper · 02-19-2013, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob34787

same box in my 08, had a slider used it once, current setup 8' box with 5th wheel prep. you can save a few $$ if you can find a reese signature series, fits the same as the elite.

Thanks. I have a great price on the Elite. It's a few hundred cheaper than the Ford hitch. I like the idea of a clean box when removed (no rails). It looks like the pin will be approximately 38" from the cab. I will have to measure my pin box when I get a chance. It is in storage now. I think it extends enough.

JackRAbbit · 03-04-2013, 09:48 PM

We have the 8285ws/dodge 2500 with a 6 1/2 foot box. The Reese Revolution hitch works great. Wouldn't be without it.

grampscamper · 03-05-2013, 05:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackRAbbit

We have the 8285ws/dodge 2500 with a 6 1/2 foot box. The Reese Revolution hitch works great. Wouldn't be without it.

Thanks. I noticed that most Ultralites at the RV show have the Revolution pin box. I wanted the Revolution pin box when I ordered the 5th wheel but my dealer talked me out of it. Not sure why.
My truck will be at the dealer in a few days I'm told. I went with the Ford/Reese hitch because the dealer gave me $1,000.00 in free accessories I could use toward the hitch. I can convert the base to a manual slider later if I need it.
I took some measurements & think I will be O.K. with the fixed hitch. It will be very close though. I will have to be careful on uneven ground. I also have the option of changing to the Revolution pin box. I want to change the pin box to a Morryde so I would prefer not to.

Randy.Dreyer · 03-05-2013, 06:14 AM

Yes, spent big $$ on truck and trailer, don't get cheap when hooking up, you will wish you got a slider or revolution on first trip out! Just for piece of mind.

grampscamper · 03-05-2013, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy.Dreyer

Yes, spent big $$ on truck and trailer, don't get cheap when hooking up, you will wish you got a slider or revolution on first trip out! Just for piece of mind.

Thanks. I hear what your saying. I measured the pin box and distance to the cab. I may be OK but won't know for sure until I get the truck & actually hook up. If I need the slider I will get it. Most likely go with the Revolution. My RV dealer said I don't need the either. It's not really a me being "cheap" issue. Although my wife might disagree.

You may also like: