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12-15-2017, 07:56 AM
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: LA, Lower Alabama
Posts: 2,430
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Slider hitch quality and clunking
Some years ago I put a Reese slider hitch in a short bed F-250 for a 5th wheel toy-hauler. I ultimately decided I was "under-trucked" and got a 1T Ram dually which I moved the hitch to. I hated that hitch, it moved, clunked, chucked, etc. and I ended up replacing the slider for a fixed base. When I went to the motorhome, I sold all the 5th wheel stuff.
Fast forward to the present and I have a 16 F-250 diesel CC and am planning a lighter weight 5th wheel, around 13K GVWR, and installed the B&W turnover ball goose neck base in the truck. Plans are to get the fixed B&W Companion 5th wheel hitch for towing. I ran across a fairly new used B&W slider hitch that I might be able to get for a reasonable amount.
Question is how much movement does this hitch have? The trailer I am considering has a contoured front cap to increase maneuvering but realize I still won't be able to turn quite 90*. That's no real problem for me. But, all the clunking etc. with the previous slider was. Hopefully B&W makes a better and tighter sliding mechanism that the cheap POS Reese I had, but it also costs more than the fixed base which will do me fine. Is it worth it to get the B&W slider or will I get quickly tired of the clunking movement? I realize that any movable part will have play but since I don't need the slider for the planned trailer is it with it? People who have had both, what are your impressions?
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12-15-2017, 08:21 AM
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#2
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 6
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I have the B&W slider and have no clunking. I have had it for three years and used the slider once. Wish I had bought the standard B&W hitch. Love the B&W hitch.
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12-15-2017, 08:41 AM
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: LA, Lower Alabama
Posts: 2,430
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Thanks for the info. I wonder how much I will really need a slide function on a hitch BUT if I do then I really would need it to maneuver. I imagine the times it would be necessary to back 90* is real rare especially with a contoured front cap. As far as clunking goes, have you had or been in a truck with someone that had a Reese or other brand slider. I really hated the Reese one I had. All the clunking was the slider part, not the bed mounting (rails).
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12-15-2017, 09:09 AM
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#4
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Senior Member
Mid Atlantic Campers
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 509
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You only need the slider that one time it dings the cab without it. Your choice. I have the pullrite slider works great for me.
__________________
2008 CC 34RLSA / 2003 F-250 SD 6.0
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12-15-2017, 09:23 AM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Vancouver Wash
Posts: 7,227
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Quote:
Originally Posted by birddog2you
You only need the slider that one time it dings the cab without it. Your choice. I have the pullrite slider works great for me.
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X2....
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12-15-2017, 09:56 AM
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: LA, Lower Alabama
Posts: 2,430
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Quote:
Originally Posted by birddog2you
You only need the slider that one time it dings the cab without it. Your choice. I have the pullrite slider works great for me.
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That is the excellent point and the reason I may consider one. My main concern is the tightness of the B&W slider vs other brands.
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12-15-2017, 11:07 AM
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#7
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drwwicks
Thanks for the info. I wonder how much I will really need a slide function on a hitch BUT if I do then I really would need it to maneuver. I imagine the times it would be necessary to back 90* is real rare especially with a contoured front cap. As far as clunking goes, have you had or been in a truck with someone that had a Reese or other brand slider. I really hated the Reese one I had. All the clunking was the slider part, not the bed mounting (rails).
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My only experience is with the B&W, I have nothing to compare it with. I really like the ease of taking it in and out and having a clean smooth bed with no rails to get in the way. When not using the 5th wheel I pull the hitch and put the hard cover back on the truck.
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12-15-2017, 01:09 PM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Vancouver Wash
Posts: 7,227
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My Pullrite has an adjustable thrust bolt....and is an automatic style
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12-15-2017, 01:43 PM
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#9
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: LA, Lower Alabama
Posts: 2,430
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I am going to install a B&W Companion 5th wheel hitch, the question involves whether the slider has much movement or chucking. I likely will never need the slider function but I may be able to get one for close to the same money as a fixed one. Haven't settled the negotiations yet.
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12-15-2017, 02:27 PM
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#10
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by drwwicks
I am going to install a B&W Companion 5th wheel hitch, the question involves whether the slider has much movement or chucking. I likely will never need the slider function but I may be able to get one for close to the same money as a fixed one. Haven't settled the negotiations yet.
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When the slider is locked in either position it will not move at all, no chucking because of the slider.
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12-15-2017, 03:43 PM
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#11
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: LA, Lower Alabama
Posts: 2,430
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Quote:
Originally Posted by kdowdy
When the slider is locked in either position it will not move at all, no chucking because of the slider.
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Thanks that's good to know because the Reese had lots of slop in the locking mechanism. That slop is why I hated it.
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12-16-2017, 05:05 AM
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#12
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Rendon, Texas
Posts: 1,455
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We had the Pullrite slider hitch and did not like it. It clunked and was hard to hook up to and unhook from. Now have B&W non slider and it is a great hitch. I believe the slider B&W would be a great hitch as well, but it is going to be very heavy. The B&W is a heavy hitch to begin with. Good luck
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12-16-2017, 06:11 AM
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#13
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: LA, Lower Alabama
Posts: 2,430
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Quote:
Originally Posted by txcpl
We had the Pullrite slider hitch and did not like it. It clunked and was hard to hook up to and unhook from. Now have B&W non slider and it is a great hitch. I believe the slider B&W would be a great hitch as well, but it is going to be very heavy. The B&W is a heavy hitch to begin with. Good luck
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Several years ago I installed an electric hoist in my garage specifically to remove the previous hitch. I back in, remove clips, attach straps and lift. After I move the truck I lowered the hitch onto a modified furniture dolly. I have no aspirations I will be lifting any 5th wheel hitch anymore, even the parts, with a history of 3 back surgeries. As long as the lift doesn't exceed 660 pounds, lift capacity, I'm OK. I probably won't be able to get the slider for what I want to pay but I tried.
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12-16-2017, 01:01 PM
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#14
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wherever we are
Posts: 4,280
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Don't let the negotiations get too much in the way--if it is 30-40% off a new one, probably a good deal.
Most people with one for sale know what they have and what it will sell for, hard to find a 'great bargain' on one.
__________________
'16 40QBH Phaeton
'21 Sahara HA toad
'15 38RSSA Mobile Suites--traded
'05 36TK3 Mobile Suites--retired but not forgotten
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