Fiver Hitch Options for SB Truck

[TiptonR]

We are looking at purchasing, in the near future, a truck and fiver. We are seriously looking at a Dodge 3500 DRW w/ 6.7 diesel in a megacab configuration. Problem is, the megacab is only available in a 6' bed. I suppose I will need a slider hitch? The fiver we've decided on is a Cameo 33CKQ. It has a Mor-Ryde system on the hitch. Are these compatible with the 10" hitch extenders? And, would either a slider hitch or pin extender be enough by itself?

Any and all opinions appreciated,

Bob

[TiptonR]

We are looking at purchasing, in the near future, a truck and fiver. We are seriously looking at a Dodge 3500 DRW w/ 6.7 diesel in a megacab configuration. Problem is, the megacab is only available in a 6' bed. I suppose I will need a slider hitch? The fiver we've decided on is a Cameo 33CKQ. It has a Mor-Ryde system on the hitch. Are these compatible with the 10" hitch extenders? And, would either a slider hitch or pin extender be enough by itself?

Any and all opinions appreciated,

Bob

[RustyJC]

A 10" hitch extender works just like a cheater pipe. Since the pin weight doesn't change, the hitch extender just gives a longer lever arm for the pin weight force to act through to produce a significantly greater torque in the 5th wheel's frame/pin box area. With the MorRyde flexible joint now located in the middle of the lever arm instead of directly on top of the hitch's load plate, it's going to be subjected to a bending force that it probably wasn't designed to handle. I'd check with the manufacturer (not the dealer) to ensure that their structural warranty on the frame and the MorRyde system will still apply if you use a pin box extender - and I'd get it in writing. By the way, the pinbox extender doesn't change the potential for cab-to-5th wheel interference as you approach a 90 degree angle unless the front of the 5th wheel is extended completely beyond the corners of the cab.

In the long run, if I were in your situation, I'd go with the sliding hitch (PullRite SuperGlide or similar).

Rusty

[TiptonR]

Thanks, Rusty - that's the info I was looking for. I didn't quite understand how the pin extenders work. Question re: the sliding hitch - when you are making sharp turns, do you have to pull a pin or something to get it to slide or are they automatic?

I wish we could get an 8' bed on a Megacab Dodge but that only appears to be an option the Quad cabs. We need the extra space of a Megacab with the fold-down rear seat backs to take our three dogs...

Thanks!

Bob

[RustyJC]

The PullRite SuperGlide is automatic. It uses a cam on the 5th wheel's pinbox to move the trailer back as you turn and forward as you straighten out. It's more expensive, but it eliminates the "oops, I forgot" factor with manual sliding hitches.

By the way, there are a couple of companies building long-bed Megacab duallies. I know some Dodge dealers here in Texas are selling them. See HERE. This company's conversion is $5,995 - sounds expensive, but factor in the avoided cost of a PullRite SuperGlide and it starts making more sense, at least to me.



Rusty

[Bobby C]

The Pull Rite is a good hitch and is automatic. But, it is very heavy and difficult at best to remove by yourself. It also takes up a big portion of the short bed. If you don't plan on removing it often or use your truck for other hauling needs, the Pull Rite is very good. In my case, I needed to remove the hitch to have the full bed and had to remove the hitch by myself. I chose the EZ Slide hitch from Husky. Honestly, I only used the slider portion about 2 times in 3 years and that was just becasue I could, not becasue I needed it.