Community Forums

tjrob2000 · 07-01-2022, 03:41 PM

So, newbie lesson. Thinking I wanted what I think (based on a fair amount of research) is the best hitch for a smooth ride I made a calculated risk and got a Hensley BD5 air ride hitch even though we have a Ram 3500 mega cab with short bed. Discovered today while dropping the coach off at a repair shop for some work that I wasn't as careful as I thought and dented the cab on the driver's side. Will have to swallow some pride and get a slider. Figure a pullrite will work well.

tjrob2000 · 07-01-2022, 09:43 PM

The other lesson learned today is don't let someone else park your rig no matter how unsure you might be to do it yourself. I let the repair shop have one of their guys back the coach in and while I was watching him he turned it far enough that the cap met the cab. I had him stop just as they touched and thought all was ok. Looked later and found the passenger side dented slightly. So, now I'm sure I didn't dent the driver side, but that he did when he went turning it left to bring it into their lot. Unfortunately I can't prove this and they are the primary repair shop around so I'm going to have to eat the repair cost. Sigh...

wildcatter · 07-01-2022, 11:46 PM

Sorry to hear this, but more than likely your insurance would be paying for it either way.

tjrob2000 · 07-02-2022, 07:15 AM

I'll not file a claim for it unless I could prove beyond a doubt the repair shop tech caused the damage. That would require before/after photos.

I'm actually considering trading the truck in on a long bed crew cab (the mega cab storage is nice, but not needed). It's still in excellent condition outside the minor damage, which I know would make it a "rough trade". I'm just not sure a slider would provide the safety in a turn that a long bed will.

wolfgolden · 07-02-2022, 08:50 AM

I had a Ram 3500 with Pullrite. Worked great but does require more maintenance.
5 min on drive day to WD-40 the moving parts and slider rails... Done!

**Camp CA** · 07-02-2022, 08:54 AM

Ditto wolfgolden........I also had a Pullrite Superglide slider hitch but also has a fixed hitch prior for 11 years in a short bed without an issue. With the pullrite you need to lube the slide bar before towing.

https://liveworkdream.com/2013/02/14...%20items...%20

CecilD · 07-02-2022, 10:48 AM

Decisions, decisions. You won't get your quality of tow with any auto slide hitch. I have a friend who tows with a Pullrite which performs well and he likes. The hitch is a dirty oily mess which pretty much excludes the use of the bed for anything else. An 8 foot bed would be preferable for many reasons other than just towing comfort. If you are toting around your rig a lot of miles, towing comfort would be high on my priority list. As a matter of fact, it was high on my list after just a short number of miles.

Are you still within Trailer Saver's satisfaction guarantee window?

Dieselguy4 · 07-02-2022, 11:14 AM

I pulled my 41 foot fifth wheel with my 06 Dodge ram 3500 mega cab. I used a B&W companion slider. Great hitch. Easy to install, hitch up and slide. The slide rails don't need lubed but I did put dry lube on them. I would not pull my fifth wheel without a slider with my short bed. I only used it 2 or 3 times but I could not have gotten into my space without it. My new F350 DRW is a long bed no worries now.

jacknife · 07-02-2022, 11:51 PM

Long bed short bed makes no difference if you aren’t paying attention . Case in point friend had a long bed jacked the rig too tight broke the back window and dented the side . A slider will at least get you out.of a jam on a short bed .

tjrob2000 · 07-03-2022, 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CecilD

Decisions, decisions. You won't get your quality of tow with any auto slide hitch. I have a friend who tows with a Pullrite which performs well and he likes. The hitch is a dirty oily mess which pretty much excludes the use of the bed for anything else. An 8 foot bed would be preferable for many reasons other than just towing comfort. If you are toting around your rig a lot of miles, towing comfort would be high on my priority list. As a matter of fact, it was high on my list after just a short number of miles.

Are you still within Trailer Saver's satisfaction guarantee window?

Nope, I'm outside the 30 day window. We won't be towing a lot the first year, maybe a fall trip, but will be living in it full time. Sold the house to plan for retirement.

00 Buckshot · 07-03-2022, 09:14 AM

If the driver made the left hand turn in without backing I doubt that is what caused the dent on the drivers side. I don't think you can turn short enough going foreward to make contact with the cab.

Now if he had to back up to complete the turn then it is very possible it made contact.

Sorry for the problems. I know how that hurts.

I had a Pull Rite in my short bed and loved it. I used slip plate dry lube on my bars and there was no mess at all.

Jkjavelin · 07-03-2022, 09:57 AM

I have the Demco 18k auto slide hitch with the Lippert Trailair pinbox. 55,000 towing miles and no issues. I can look in the rearview mirror and watch the shock absorber in action and can make U turns without cringing.
JK

jimcumminsw · 07-03-2022, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkjavelin

I have the Demco 18k auto slide hitch with the Lippert Trailair pinbox. 55,000 towing miles and no issues. I can look in the rearview mirror and watch the shock absorber in action and can make U turns without cringing.
JK

X2, on this hitch and combo. I also have this om my 2500 Ram Mega Cab, no oily mess and I leave the hitch in the bed all summer. Kept covered with a tonneau cover when not pulling. The only item that is lubricated are the teeth under a plastic cover on each side of the slider.
Also, with the TRAILAIR Pinbox no locking plate is required for the Demco Hitch, like a Pullrite hitch needs.

TXiceman · 07-03-2022, 10:55 AM

And the lesson learned is why they make 8 FT beds for trucks. Unless you use a slider hitch, the chances of hitting the cab are pretty high with a short bed truck.

Ken