Columbus 5th Wheel Towing

[Sporoo]

Originally Posted by Pa-cj5

I just received a call from the service dept. who was checking on which hitch will be needed for my 2011 SD 250 Short bed. Since the Columbus 320 is 100" wide, Pullrite Techs said the the 24K slider is the only hitch that will turn at more then a 60* angle. This is almost double the cost and weight of a 16k hitch.

I camp in state parks so I need a setup that will make short turns.

I'm looking at all options?

Doug

Doug, its amazing how many different answers you get when looking into the best pinbox/hitch setup. I am hoping my calculations are up to snuff. According to what I have read, I need to measure from the rear of the cab to the middle of the rear tires. This measurement on my truck was approximately 43". Now according to this calculation, I need 1/2 of the width of the trailer, plus 4 inches. So, I am 11 inches short. The reese 5th airborne sidewinder pinbox states that it moves the pivot point back 22 inches, and that I will have not problem turning (or hooking up) a full 90 degrees. It makes sense, I just hope they are right because this is not a cheap indeavor.

[Witch Doctor]

I have a husky 16k hitch, I use the sidewinder and can turn over 90 degrees I'm not sure where that 60 degree came from I would go with the husky. You will not have any problems backing into a space. The husky also locks so you can not really open it until you bump the unit back to get the pressure off no need for a lock, so some smart a-- can not open it when you are not with the unit. You do not have to put a lock on like a reese. I pull a 32' Rockwood with a short bed F250

[joelek]

The Pullrite tech is pulling your leg. Granted most 5th wheels are 96" wide. So 100" is 2" wider on each side. You need a 16 or 18K slider hitch for a shortbed 3/4 ton truck. Plenty of people on this forum are using that with a 320RS.

My money would buy the Reese pro series if I went 5th wheel. I have a Reese goosebox air ride on my 320RS as my truck had what my dealer called a millitary grade goose ball setup aka the big one they use for hauling horses, round bails of hay, and cattle. All of which weigh more than a 320RS.

[1jeb289]

I have the 15k Pullrite Superglide and it handles my Columbus 320RS just fine.

[Pa-cj5]

Thanks for all the replies. This is the 1st short bed install at the dealer with the Columbus and they want to make sure it's correct. The service manager is calling Reese about installing a sidewinder which looks like it would solve the problem.

With the 16K slider hitch I would be 1" less then a full 8' bed, w/hitch slide to the rear.

Doug

[Earth Station]

we have a 16K slider in our standard bed. Hardly use the slide option. Even to back it into the driveway.