Community Forums

BC Ranger · 07-01-2016, 06:48 PM

Hope I can ask another 5th wheel hitch question.

I've towed several TT over the years but the wife and I are moving up to a new 5v'er.
Glacier Peak 26RLS (33 feet), dry weight 9650 lbs. and max trailer weight of 12995 lbs. Morryde extended pinbox.
Tow vehicle 2013 GMC Sierra 3500HD CC SB SRW.

I'm looking for suggestions on 5th wheel hitches both good and bad and the ever popular slider vs. no slider opinions.

Thanks in advance

drfife · 07-01-2016, 08:39 PM

I tow an Excel Winslow 34IKE with a B&W Companion hitch in my 2012 GMC Sierra 3500HD SRW with standard (6.5') bed.

I have had no issues or had a need for a slider hitch. I've towed this lash up 49K miles in 45 months. We primarily stay at state parks and COE's in back-in sites.

Much depends on the front cap design on the 5th wheel.

Rickeoni · 07-02-2016, 12:31 AM

I have only towed our fiver with a BD3 air hitch, tows real nice but nothing to compare it to.

MtnTrek · 07-02-2016, 12:43 AM

Every setup can be different. I've heard of and seen some of the extended pin boxes depending on the bed rail clearance and truck height getting very close to or touching the side rails well ahead of 90 deg. This aside of a slider or the front cap design. So do your due diligence with measuring and cautious first maneuvers no matter what products anyone recommends.
This said we very much like Morryde products.
It would be hard to beat the quality of a B&W Companion (puck mount), providing it fit your application.

Happy motoring.

chertz · 07-02-2016, 04:03 AM

Slider or not depends largely on the front cap of this 5er... as for hitch, as usual I will always recommend a good made in the USA hitch by B&W. I personally use the Patriot 16k model and couldn't possibly say enough good about it! The companions are also very nice if you don't already have the hitch rails.

Tugboat · 07-03-2016, 06:12 AM

I use and recommend a auto slider with a short box. The peace of mind that the one time you need that extra clearance it all ready moved.

muddyrode · 07-05-2016, 10:12 AM

X2 on the slider better to have and not need than to need and not have

when i had my short box i used my auto slider all the time and never had to worry but still put it close sometimes

BC Ranger · 07-05-2016, 02:10 PM

Thanks all for the replies.
One of the dealers here is recommending the Hi-Jacker 5th wheel hitch.
Anyone have any experience with this? Good or bad.

StuartN · 07-05-2016, 02:51 PM

I'm towing our Glacier Peak F26CIS (31') with a Ford F350 SRW short bed (6'9") with a B&W companion.

Plenty of clearance for turning and bed rail height. The front caps on the GP 5'ers have a pretty good curve to them which helps out on the short bed trucks.

C.Martin · 07-05-2016, 03:04 PM

Pull rite Superglide.

It is best to keep your 5th wheel and truck in similar geometry as you would a bumper tow...like Max 45 degrees... This reduces stress on the tandem axle hangers and springs....

But, if you get yourself in to an occasional tight spot...a slider will keep you from contacting the rear cab of the truck with the front cap of the 5th wheel. And if you have a manual slider...it will happen that day you "think" you won't need it.

I was pulling into a loop at Ft. Wilderness one day...and got to watch the guy in front of me burst the trucks rear cab window, bend the sheet metal, and I wasn't in a location to see how much damage was done to the 5th wheel. Not pretty...I'm sure it took some of the "Magic" out of going to Disney.

The Superglide is an insurance policy. I know mine got me out of more than a few tight spots over the 5 years I towed a 5th Wheel. The only time you have to do any thinking...is when you decide to buy it. After that...it does all the work of keeping you from making a bad decision.

Tugboat · 07-07-2016, 02:52 PM

2nd that

crors7 · 07-07-2016, 08:20 PM

I have a Demco Highjacker autoslide 18k, I looked at alot of hitches before I pulled the trigger on this one. 1st Made in the USA with USA steel, big plus, 2nd wrap around jaw and locking bar, 3rd no adapter plates, 4th works flawlessly and never have to think about it. Now the bad, a little tricky to hitch, you have to be lined up darn near perfect, the first few times will have you cussing, but you get a rythm done after a while and it is easy once you get it. It's heavy, around 300# ,but the build quality is awesome, it's silent while working. I know there are alot of guy's that say you don't need a slider but better safe than sorry. I never take mine out so not concerned with the weight.