Community Forums

g0lfanatic · 11-08-2018, 07:22 PM

Any Keystone 5th wheel owners out there towing with a fixed hitch in a short bed truck? Keystone claims you get 83 degree turning radius in a SB truck with their max turn front end. I have a 2018 F250 who's bed is 6'8" and Im wondering if I really need to buy a sliding hitch for a Cougar 5th wheel? How often would you need more than 83 degrees turning radius? Thanks

Clomok · 11-08-2018, 08:12 PM

My ragen TH has a aero nose, not as radius’d as yours and I used a goose neck adaptor on it for a couple months with no turning issues. I had to turn down a col da sack and back out to get the correct orientation. This was with a 2004 ram quad cab short bed. Just need to plan sharper turns ahead

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g0lfanatic · 11-09-2018, 09:16 AM

Thanks for the info

monkey · 11-09-2018, 09:48 AM

We have a 2016 Cougar and I think they call it "Max Turn"... We have a short bed Silverado, 6'4" and have never had an issue.... (fixed Patriot hitch) IF it comes close,,, pull up a few feet and try again. Never had to do that yet. Monkey

consolenut · 11-11-2018, 06:32 AM

To me it looks like keystone just shortened the length of the 5th wheel section over the truck. Shorter length up top means more turning radius.

Tooth Doc · 11-12-2018, 07:35 PM

At a Montana rally I saw a 6 month old Montana take out the rear window of a short bed truck. This was the second time for this owner but he didn't need a slider. I make mistakes every once in a while so I am happy to have a Pullrite auto slider.

Airmech · 11-12-2018, 09:31 PM

I have a Silverado with a standard bed and tow a 07 grand junction. Doesn't have the cut out corners of the newer cougers and I have no problems making turns with a standard hitch.

tuffr2 · 11-13-2018, 02:44 AM

Heartland 5th wheels advertise 88 degree turns with a short bed, or at least they used to. I towed with a 8' bed and I never needed 88 degrees.

If I had to guess I would say I seldom went beyond 60 degrees...but that is just a guess. My backing experience, I only had a few tight spaces and I had more issue with the space needed to swing the truck. I was more likely to ding the front of the truck.

CecilD · 11-13-2018, 10:03 AM

The 83 degree turning radius is probably legit when towing on flat roads. Things change when you are backing. Add in some uneven terrain while backing and watch out. Get a sliding hitch and be glad that you may never use it, be even happier that you have it when you need it.

CecilD · 11-13-2018, 04:58 PM

Saw a short bed RAM with an Andersen Ultimate hitch used to pull a Montana High Country, a Keystone trailer with Max Turn. His cab was dented and his window was blown out. He said he got caught in a gas station scenario with tight backing and a driveway. He happily towed the trailer for many thousands of miles before the incident.

Nlambert · 11-15-2018, 06:13 AM

I towed a Heartland Prowler with a 2012 Ram 2500 shortbed and never had a hiccup. I sprung for the B&W companion slider and wished I hadn't spent the extra money. The slider was never used. I then traded it for a 2016 Keystone Hideout and still no issues. I found that if I had to turn more than 60 degrees it became difficult to control the 5er anyhow, plus I don't like putting that much stress on the sidewall of the tires. I eventually sold the hitch.

If you are careful when making turns and watch the uneven terrain you likely won't have an issue with a non-slider. But if you feel more comfortable having a slider, don't mind the heavier hitch to remove, and have money in the budget get what you're more comfortable with.