Short-Bed Tow Vehicles

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Red Wolf

Note to self - check the bolts on the custom wedge to make sure they aren't loosening when traveling.

An easy way to keep the universal wedge is to cut a pc of steel to put in front of the bolt in the slots that fills the slots. Hold the pc in place with some silicone. Won't keep the bolts tight, but will keep the wedge in place. The curved surfaces of the universal wedge contribute greatly to the tendency of the wedge to move rearward.

[B and B]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

The universal wedge has a very bad tendency to move backwards due to the slots and bolts that will not remain tight because of the lock washers on slots which is a no-no even with flat washers under them.

I agree on improper application of washers. Star washer with a Cup Washer possibly or lock tight/or Nord Lock Bolts/ Blue Nylon Pellet bolts would be more suitable.
Not a huge fan of lock tight for something like this though.

Brian

[GreenImp]

One more vote for a fixed hitch (B&W Companion) with a 6.5' bed. My Rockwood 8289WS has the Revolution, but I do not have it unlocked due to it's incompatibility with the B&W Companion and no desire or need to turn any sharper than I already can.

I can't help but think that if there were not all of these companies marketing products to achieve this magical number (90 degree turn), that nobody would care. I read somewhere recently (probably here in this forum) a post pointing out how you never hear the TT crowd complaining that they can't turn 90.

[Red Wolf]

Originally Posted by GreenImp

I read somewhere recently (probably here in this forum) a post pointing out how you never hear the TT crowd complaining that they can't turn 90.

They never tried to turn around in my cul de sac with a 30' TT while trying to clear the cars my neighbors thought it would be great to park nose-first to the curb instead of sideways like normal people.

I was giggling when I returned from my practice tow on the 5er and found I can turn so much tighter now.

[PhoneDude 8289]

Tighter turns a + at times but those trailer wheels will flex more especially on a hard surface. Keep a close eye on those wheel lug torques.

[Red Wolf]

Originally Posted by presley01

Tighter turns a + at times but those trailer wheels will flex more especially on a hard surface. Keep a close eye on those wheel lug torques.

Yes sir!

[Enjoying the Good Life]

I have a Ford Super Duty with a short box and a manual slider hitch. We pull a Columbus 320RS and have yet to run into a situation where I've have to slide the hitch. The reason for having a slider is due our previous 5er, but even then I recall only having to slide the hitch several times. That 5er was a Montana Mountaineer model 298RL. If I were to replace the hitch today I believe that I would be looking at a fixed position one.

[iceblaze580]

When I do pull my columbus with my short bed ram I've never needed to slide the hitch back when I pull my old alfa I need to slide it back

[Rodgers]

Getting 2014 RAM 3500 with 5th wheel prep. Any one have a Pullrite Superglide with this configuration. What hitch and rail kit do you have. It has under bed rails already.

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by GreenImp

One more vote for a fixed hitch (B&W Companion) with a 6.5' bed. My Rockwood 8289WS has the Revolution, but I do not have it unlocked due to it's incompatibility with the B&W Companion and no desire or need to turn any sharper than I already can.

I can't help but think that if there were not all of these companies marketing products to achieve this magical number (90 degree turn), that nobody would care. I read somewhere recently (probably here in this forum) a post pointing out how you never hear the TT crowd complaining that they can't turn 90.

One thing that has not been mentioned about the Reese that I really like is the fact that you do not have to be spot-on when hitching up.

Missed lining up by a 1" to the right? No problem, just swing the king pin over a inch and bada-boom!

TT hook-up ain't got nothing on me now LOL

Note: This will only work if your Kingpin moves easily

[Red Wolf]

Originally Posted by HSVBamaBob

One thing that has not been mentioned about the Reese that I really like is the fact that you do not have to be spot-on when hitching up.

Missed lining up by a 1" to the right? No problem, just swing the king pin over a inch and bada-boom!

TT hook-up ain't got nothing on me now LOL

Note: This will only work if your Kingpin moves easily

Well...that's what I thought, too. At the RV park space was tight, so I was clever, and angled my Revolution to the left and backed up. The king pin failed to go in, turned a bit, and the trailer slide back even with the chocks in place. Tried again, same thing. Maneuvered the truck in the small drive space I had, and backed straight in. Again, the hitch refused to mate.

Then I realized, rookie me forgot to open the hitch latch bar. The king pin had been bouncing off of it. I felt so stupid.

[Rodgers]

I've decided to go with a Pullrite Super Glide. It should work well. Thanks to all!

[Cajun Po-Boy]

Originally Posted by Rodgers

I've decided to go with a Pullrite Super Glide. It should work well. Thanks to all!