Will Elite Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Slider Automatically Move to the Maneuvering Position

Expert Reply:

The slider unit that is included with the Reese Elite Series Pre-Assembled 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, part # RP30144, is activated manually, so you would need to exit the vehicle, activate the slider with the handle and then pull forward. The slider unit will then automatically lock in the slow speed maneuvering position.

When you want the hitch to return to the normal towing position you will need to get out, activate the slider again and then back up. The slider will then automatically lock in the normal towing position.

On a truck with a 6 foot bed or longer, normal left and right turns on the road can be made without activating the slider unit. Activation is only required when maneuvering in slow speed tight areas like parking lots and camp grounds.

If your truck bed is shorter than 6 feet or you do not want to have to manually activate a slider hitch, you can use a Sidewinder replacement pin box and the fixed Elite Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, # RP30142. The Sidewinder will move the pivot point back 22 inches from the center of the hitch jaw and allow room for turning in all situations without getting out of the truck.

To select the correct Sidewinder for your truck you will need to match the make and model number of the pin box on your trailer to the correct replacement pin box. I added a link to our Sidewinder page for you to review, and to a page that will allow you to measure to select the correct replacement pin box if you cannot find the make and model number on your pin box.

expert reply by: Bob G