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Old 12-15-2017, 07:56 AM   #1
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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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Old 12-15-2017, 08:21 AM   #2
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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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Old 12-15-2017, 08:41 AM   #3
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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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Old 12-15-2017, 09:09 AM   #4
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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.
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Old 12-15-2017, 09:23 AM   #5
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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.
X2....
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Old 12-15-2017, 09:56 AM   #6
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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.
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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Old 12-15-2017, 11:07 AM   #7
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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).
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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Old 12-15-2017, 01:09 PM   #8
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My Pullrite has an adjustable thrust bolt....and is an automatic style
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Old 12-15-2017, 01:43 PM   #9
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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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Old 12-15-2017, 02:27 PM   #10
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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.
When the slider is locked in either position it will not move at all, no chucking because of the slider.
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Old 12-15-2017, 03:43 PM   #11
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When the slider is locked in either position it will not move at all, no chucking because of the slider.
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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Old 12-16-2017, 05:05 AM   #12
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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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Old 12-16-2017, 06:11 AM   #13
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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
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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Old 12-16-2017, 01:01 PM   #14
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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.
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