Short Bed Ram w/Sanibel, 5th Wheel Slide?

[sweetbillebob]

We just bought a RAM 2500 with 6'4" bed to pull my 40' Sanibel. Need to order a hitch. The Sanibel literature suggests it was an 88 degree turn capability with a short bed. I know the RAM factory hitch prep is closer to the cab than either a Ford or GM. Do I need a slider on the hitch? If so, should I spend the extra $$ for Demco automatic slider? Or will rarely need it and can get buy with a manual slider?

[Jim34RL]

I have had two short bed trucks. One was the Chevy and the other a Ram Mega Cab. With the Chevy short bed I did hit the cab once and broke the rear window. I forgot to put the sliding hitch out when backing up and just kiss the cab when I remember. To late!

I have used the same sliding hitch in both trucks it is a manual sliding hitch, a Reese 16K. The only time I need to use the slider is when I put the camper into the driveway and in campground if I have to back into a site. Otherwise I do not require the sliding option when driving, the hitch stays in the tow position. The camper clears the cab with no problems except when backing up than I need the slider.

I would by a slider hitch if it was me with any short bed truck!

[Iwannacamp]

X2 on the slider. If I were starting fresh I would look at the Andersen ultimate hitch. If I understand correctly they move the pivot a bit.

[mellis]

We use the Demco sliding hitch in iur F250 shortbed. Would never use a manual-do it right thr girst time.

[Big1]

I just pick up the b&w slide that work for me, I have the same truck.

[florabama]

The Andersen Ultimate works great in my short bed RAM pulling a Cedar Creek. The Andersen give you an additional 8" offset which increases the cab clearance. I have been in some tight situations with dips and never got close to the cab. I have about 6-7" of bed rail clearance.

[sweetbillebob]

I appreciate all the input. I'm hoping the Anderson Ultimate will work for me. Will talk to them about clearances tomorrow. No slider, only 34 Lbs, easy to remove. Two offset options set the rv back further. Definite going to need air bags to compensate for the offset. Looking at a Firestone 9" diameter bag that will only need low pressure to level the load.

[GeoDude]

Pullrite Superslide hitch here. I've got the Ram 2500 short bed and have made 90-degree turns with my Wildcat and Pullrite slides back so the corners of the front of the 5er doesn't even come close.

[DouglasReid]

I have, and would never want to be without a slider in a 6.5 bed. I had a dented cab in my previous truck from not using it once.

NEVER again. You only need it for backing up into places. selecting the Anderson based on light weight and easy removal seems as if you are choosing the ability to easily remove it over reality of short bed.

If you want the Anderson, Id suggest a 8' bed. Or get a TT so nothing is in your 6.5 bed.

[cpaulsen]

I have the Superglide in my Ford and love it. This last weekend I put it at almost 90 degrees and was not close to the cab.

[florabama]

Originally Posted by DouglasReid

...
If you want the Anderson, Id suggest a 8' bed. Or get a TT so nothing is in your 6.5 bed.

Remember, the Andersen is offset 8" behind the axel giving you more cab clearance. But with any hitch you must be mindful of what is going on and not stress the equipment.

[HDsteel]

I have the Demco Hitchhiker autoslide 18K rated under mount frame in my 2016 2500HD GMC Denali duramax shortbox. I can tell you after hours of driving I forget about the hitch and am concentrating on parking, backing in etc. Have never hit the cab yet or come close, for me the piece of mind not ruining a trip is well worth the extra dough payed up front.

[IHC]

Originally Posted by GeoDude

Pullrite Superslide hitch here. I've got the Ram 2500 short bed and have made 90-degree turns with my Wildcat and Pullrite slides back so the corners of the front of the 5er doesn't even come close.

x2 !!!

[markb5900]

Have you thought about having a Reese Sidewinder pin box put on the trailer?
I have the revolution pin box on mine (same as sidewinder just factory installed).
We love it, no slider in the bed and I have tested and gone MORE than 90 degrees.
It moves the pivot point back to where it attaches to the trailer about 24".

[ptylerp]

x2 on sidewinder. Have sidewinder on 378FB Sierra for over a year and we are very pleased with it.