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Old 02-02-2018, 08:50 PM   #1
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Slider Hitch Necessary on a F-250 Short Bed?

Hello Everyone,

I just purchased a 2018 Grand Design 311BHS and the next step is to install the hitch in my truck. I will be doing the work myself and am unsure if the slider hitch is necessary for my truck, 2017 F-250 Diesel CC Short Bed? As I am sure you are aware, they are significantly more $$ so if it's not necessary, I don't want to spend the money. At the same time, I would more than gladly spend the extra if it's going to save me a headache and stress later for needing it and not having it. So any advice by those who are currently towing with my same rig or know besides is much appreciated.

Chris
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Old 02-02-2018, 09:34 PM   #2
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The only way to know for sure is to hook up the trailer with a regular 5er hitch, then drive to a huge empty parking lot. With a spotter keeping an eagle eye on back of the cab, slowly, very slowly, back into a 90° jackknife. The spotter should yell STOP! before you have trailer to cab contact.

If you can achieve a 90° jackknife without trailer to cab contact, then you can probably get by without a slider hitch.

Otherwise, bite the bullet.
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Old 02-02-2018, 09:39 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SmokeyWren View Post
The only way to know for sure is to hook up the trailer with a regular 5er hitch, then drive to a huge empty parking lot. With a spotter keeping an eagle eye on back of the cab, slowly, very slowly, back into a 90° jackknife. The spotter should yell STOP! before you have trailer to cab contact.

If you can achieve a 90° jackknife without trailer to cab contact, then you can probably get by without a slider hitch.

Otherwise, bite the bullet.


Thanks Smokey
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Old 02-02-2018, 10:03 PM   #4
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If the grand design has the front cap for short bed hauling then no otherwise a slider is needed. Your dealer should be able to tell you if you need one..
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Old 02-02-2018, 10:16 PM   #5
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I didn't think I needed a slider until this last time I was backing my 5th in.. My house is a bit higher then the street, this closed the distance between the ft cap and rear window. If all you ever do is maneuver on flat ground, you can probably get by without a slider..
Good news is the rear window for a 2017 F250 isn't as expensive as you might think..even a heated one with the power slide.
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Old 02-02-2018, 10:17 PM   #6
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There are two types of people with short-beds and non-slide hitches: those that have kissed their cabs and those who will.
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Old 02-02-2018, 10:22 PM   #7
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There are two types of people with short-beds and non-slide hitches: those that have kissed their cabs and those who will.


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Old 02-02-2018, 10:23 PM   #8
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I didn't think I needed a slider until this last time I was backing my 5th in.. My house is a bit higher then the street, this closed the distance between the ft cap and rear window. If all you ever do is maneuver on flat ground, you can probably get by without a slider..
Good news is the rear window for a 2017 F250 isn't as expensive as you might think..even a heated one with the power slide.


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Old 02-02-2018, 10:29 PM   #9
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Old 02-02-2018, 10:33 PM   #10
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Awesome! That helps a lot. Thanks.
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Old 02-02-2018, 10:35 PM   #11
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Were it me in your shoes, I'd buy the best slider I could get my hands on. At that point, you're covered no matter what. My Boy Scout motto, always be prepared.
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Old 02-02-2018, 11:02 PM   #12
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Yeah, I just placed my order on Amazon for everything. I got the B&W slider hitch rated at 20K.
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Old 02-02-2018, 11:03 PM   #13
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This forum is a great resource.
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Old 02-04-2018, 04:21 AM   #14
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Yeah, I just placed my order on Amazon for everything. I got the B&W slider hitch rated at 20K.
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