First time 5th wheel owner

[lonewolf]

Ok guys I just took the plunge into the 5er ownership. Just purchased a 2004 Sierra RL 34.5ft 2 slides. Hope to learn a lot here. I have to purchase a hitch for starters and I have a 2500HD Chevy diesel hope it is enough. Any info to help me out would be great.

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by lonewolf

Ok guys I just took the plunge into the 5er ownership. Just purchased a 2004 Sierra RL 34.5ft 2 slides. Hope to learn a lot here. I have to purchase a hitch for starters and I have a 2500HD Chevy diesel hope it is enough. Any info to help me out would be great.

I had a 16k proride slider installed in my 05 2500hd .
799.00 installed.
I'm assuming u have a Sb?

[Dave_Monica]

Hey, you need a half ton to pull that thing!

Sorry...that seems to be a popular subject lately.

Is there something specific you want to know...

Dave

[Beausdog]

Im new to the 5er world too, picked up mine last week, but LOVING every minute of it both staying in it and towing it. World of difference towing it down the highway with big rigs passing me or me passing them with the draft and all. My TT wanted to suck me into the sides of a few truckers . But if I can assist or share any info I have garnered over the short time or questions about my set up, etc. Please don't hesitate to ask. Happy Camping

[lonewolf]

Thanks guys all I need is to find the right hitch for now. I saw an ad about the Reese Sidewinder and I do have a short bed Chevy. I can pick up a hitch for less than $100 from a friend but it does not slide so would the sidewinder be worth it or should I get a newer hitch that slides or do I really need a slider???

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by lonewolf

Thanks guys all I need is to find the right hitch for now. I saw an ad about the Reese Sidewinder and I do have a short bed Chevy. I can pick up a hitch for less than $100 from a friend but it does not slide so would the sidewinder be worth it or should I get a newer hitch that slides or do I really need a slider???

Sidewinder mounts to your camper so you still need a hitch for the truck.
The sidewinder moves your campers pivot point back further so that a slider hitch is not needed.

[EdJunior]

The need for a slider really depends on the trailer. Most newer trailers are built with shortbeds in mind, and acccount for the shorter bed. Meaning the corners are molded back to give a better backing up turning radius. But yours is a bit older and may not be built as such. My advice is to have a dealer look at it and determine what you need.

The other side of it is, whether it is built with a short bed in mind or not, a slider is a good thing to have "just in case". Even with the best built trailers, there may be a situation where that slider hitch is necessary, or at the very least, will make your situation much easier. And there is always the "peace of mind" knowing you have it, even if you never need it. I got a slider when I got my 5th wheel, then got a long bed where I really didn't need it, but have since gone back to a short bed and still have not needed it yet. But I know it's there...just in case.

Good luck.

[Beausdog]

Originally Posted by EdJunior

The need for a slider really depends on the trailer. Most newer trailers are built with shortbeds in mind, and acccount for the shorter bed. Meaning the corners are molded back to give a better backing up turning radius. But yours is a bit older and may not be built as such. My advice is to have a dealer look at it and determine what you need.

The other side of it is, whether it is built with a short bed in mind or not, a slider is a good thing to have "just in case". Even with the best built trailers, there may be a situation where that slider hitch is necessary, or at the very least, will make your situation much easier. And there is always the "peace of mind" knowing you have it, even if you never need it. I got a slider when I got my 5th wheel, then got a long bed where I really didn't need it, but have since gone back to a short bed and still have not needed it yet. But I know it's there...just in case.

Good luck.

My thoughts exactly, i haven't had to use my slider yet...but rather have it and not need it then need it and not have it

[RONXS69]

Hey there, I've got a Reese 15K fifth wheel hitch in excellent condition with the pins, just needs the bed rails. I upgraded to a 25K on my F450 to pull a 42ft toyhauler. Its yours for $200 if you can use it (though I see now your friend has a better deal). Its here if you need it.