Difference Between Manual and Auto Sliding 5th Wheel Hitches for Use with an Adapter

Updated 01/27/2020 | Published 01/26/2020

Question:

in Jason S. s reply to recommendation to use the Demco 1640 adaptor, the original question was for a Husky slider. Jason attached a video, but at the end it says there is a sticker saying it is not compatible with automatic sliders. Is there a difference between auto sliders and the manual sliders?

asked by: Rick P

Expert Reply:

The difference between manual and automatic sliding 5th wheel hitches is that with a manual sliding hitch you simply move the hitch body forward or backwards before maneuvering to give yourself more clearance. Automatic sliders use a rotating head or some gears inside the hitch body but the body stays in place. This means that there is torque placed on any points of contact. So manual sliders are okay to be used with single-point adapters like the Demco # DM6140 for the B&W Gooseneck Hitches, but you need multiple points of contact to safely use an auto sliding hitch.

It is worth noting that there is a slight raised portion in the center of the Demco adapter so some manual hitches like the B&W Patriot will not fit with it due to how low the center of the body sits.

expert reply by: Jon G