When Is Slider Hitch Needed when Towing Fifth Wheel Trailer with Short Bed Truck

Published 12/03/2018

Question:

Do you need a slider hitch for a 2017 Chevy Silverado 2500 with 6.5foot bed, and if yes would you ever need to use the slider except for backing into a tight sight. New to 5th wheel and I do not have an auto slider, and not sure how to gauge when/if it may be needed. I realize an auto slider would solve that, but that is not what the dealer installed. 2017 Chevy Silverado 2500 2019 Jayco Eagle ht 29.5bhok Reese Pro Series 15K

asked by: Terry D

Expert Reply:

The only time you need a slider fifth wheel hitch is when you are needing to make a tight turn. It's in these situations that normally the nose of the trailer would hit the cab of the truck. A slider hitch then moves the trailer back so that the turn can be made without interference. It can vary depending on the width of the trailer and the length of the pin box how often you'd need the slider but best option would be to just pay extra attention to the closeness of the nose of the trailer when around turns so that you get a feel for what situations would require the slider.

expert reply by: Jameson C