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 > installing a receiver hitch in short bed trucks

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gosmokey23

austin

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Joined: 07/05/2008

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Posted: 07/06/08 09:57pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

i would like to get by with just the extender but i am very cautious about getting into tight spots and damaging my truck or the trailer. 2000 - 3000 dollars is a lot to spend on a superglide hitch if i can make do with just an extender. not sure what to do): I have been told that what i have could work -- just be extra careful when making turns, etc.

oltroll

Cape Hatteras NC

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Posted: 07/07/08 05:21am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Sounds like a lot of camper for a 1500 truck. Hope you checked your weights. You might have more problems than hitch, breaks for one.


05 F350 lb Fx4 Super Duity TCPSD DRW CC 4:10
07 Laredo 320TRL
Equa Flex suspension
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PullRite Superhitch
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Dark Green HD Dmax

Central Tx

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Posted: 07/07/08 08:34am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I pull a 31ft. Keystone outback with a 15K. pro-series non slider hitch mounted 2in forward the axle with no problems. Now if i really wanted to...i could kiss the back of the cab with the camper...but i'd really have to work at it. This also depends on the wheelbase of you truck. My 02 SWB 2500hd CC has about the same wheelbase(turning radius) as a extended cab LWB. What i'm saying is in my case i have to have the tiller hard-over to port or starboard for a while before the camper zeros-in on the cab. Hence i can watch it closer. Now a shorter wheelbase will turn tighter & the cab issues will creep up on you more quickly. But in any case iv'e not been in a situation where i needed to turn that tight yet.

Edit: I'm almost sure you have a CC right? if so then you have the same wheelbase, turning radius & bed size as my 02. As far as pulling with a 1500? Your HD 1500 is in reality a base 2500...plenty of truck for your camper.

IMO on a slider? I don't need one. If i'm turning that sharp, then i'm putting some serious twisting strain on the trailer axles & frame. So far i'm doing fine with one i have.

Consider a Sidewinder? I'm still on the bubble on this one. I'd like to know for sure that the frame mfgs. endorse them then i might try one. untill then, i'll keep my factory extended pinbox/current setup.

* This post was edited 07/07/08 08:45am by Dark Green HD Dmax *

mikehart92

Oklahoma

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Posted: 07/07/08 08:53am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Have you actually measured your bed? My dad's 06 1500HD 2wheel drive is a 6.5' bed. My 02 1500HD 4x4 was also a 6.5' bed.

As for where to install, I always thought a fifth wheel hitch was the same as a gooseneck. You never install a gooseneck on or behind the axle. Always 1-3 inches in front of the axle.

Mike


2005 Chevy 2500HD.............6.6 D/A, 4x4, Crew Cab

mikehart92

Oklahoma

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Posted: 07/07/08 08:54am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

oltroll wrote:

Sounds like a lot of camper for a 1500 truck. Hope you checked your weights. You might have more problems than hitch, breaks for one.


He didn't say "1500" he said 1500hd, very big difference.

Mike

Scot

Maryland

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Posted: 07/07/08 08:58am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

You can get the slide mechanisms from the net to add to your existing hitch. You have to be careful of the pin box extenders as well as my BIL found out, it tore up the side of his bed when turning as it hung too low and was too long to clear the side rail.


Scot & Ann
*NEW* 2008 Silverado 3500HD LTZ CC Dually Duramax/Allison
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abskws

Pamplin, Virginia

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Posted: 07/07/08 10:40am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Thanks for the replies -- believe it would be best to go ahead and buy the Husky EZ Roller and install for proper safety. has anyone ever used this slider before made from husky? any info good or bad on product is appreciated!!

I have this hitch in my F250 FX4 Crew Cab (6.5 ft bed) and it works good. I have not had to slide the hitch but once. Not really sure that I needed it. The dealer installed it to factory specs, 4" in front of the rear axle. The only thing that I don't like about the hitch is it only pivots from front to back and not side to side. Sometimes it seems like that places a lot of pressure on the hitch frame by not having side to side pivot. All in all, I have no problems with the hitch. Good Luck!

Allen

goin2themountains

Aztec, NM

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Posted: 07/07/08 11:34am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I am assuming from the specs the OP mentioned, he has a CC half ton. They do have a shorter bed. What one does is up to them and their budget. One issue I might mention with an extended pin box and slider is that it is possible for the extended pin box to contact the bed rails or tail gate of a shortbox pickup if the slider is back. Mine does it with 8 inches of clearance bedrail to 5er, and can't raise hitch or unbalance my Cougar.


Puller: '04 HD2500 4x4 SB,EC Duramax/Allison. Airaid intake, 4in. exhaust turbo back, ORU leveler.
Pullee: '02 Keystone Cougar 276EFS Reese 16k w/ slider.
(map is for current 5er only)


doughere

Mooresville NC

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Posted: 07/07/08 12:02pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I have a Husky 16K EZRoller, it tilts both up/down and side/side. It is as good as any I have seen. I have a 6.5 ft bed F150 SCAB. Have used the slide a number of times; although I suspect without it I would have been OK. The install kit made it a cinch to install; although I gotta admit, drilling through the bed made me ill.

I would find a slide hitch with both up/down and side/side motion, with rails and installation kit designed for your vehicle. If Husky doesn't have it, find some one that does. The 5.5 ft bed will make things pretty close in any sharp turning situation. The chance for damage will be at very slow speed, usually in a gas station, and even more while backing into a tight site. If you're POSITIVE you will ALWAYS be paying attention, you could skip it(I ain't, I didn't). Even with a slider though, things will be close at times.

Good Luck,
Doug

gosmokey23

austin

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Posted: 07/07/08 03:30pm Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Thanks for all the info -- it really helps to get feedback from others who have shortbed trucks! i keep going back and forth between a superglide and am ez roller -- i have been told that placing the hitch 3 inches behind the axels will be ok -- your thoughts? In response to mikehart i measured the bed and it is 5'8 -- i have the 4 full doors on this truck.

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