hoser183
Calgary, AB, Canada
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Joined: 07/30/2003
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Just wondering what people's experiences are with a 6.5' truck bed and a non-sliding hitch. I have a friend who has a slider and he did not 'unlock' the sliding mechanism a couple of weeks ago when backing up and he jack-knifed into his truck cab. Ouch.
If you are careful, is it necessary? The Reese owner's manual for hitches said they are a necessity for trucks with beds under 6'.
Obviously, a slider would be better, but it seems like they can be 3x the cost ($500 compared to $1500 - CDN dollars).
And I know there are many of you who will say that it is worth it, there are always those that spare no expense (and its easy to spend someone else's money). Looking for a range of responses here.
Thanks,
Jason
Jason, Chantal, and Ava (b. Jan. 31, 2004)
Calgary, Canada
2003 Chevy Silverado 1500HD 4.10 axle, 6000cc V8
2004 Vanguard W255 27' fifth wheel 
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bluenote
Michigan
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Joined: 10/15/2001
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We have a fixed hitch and a 6½ foot bed. Our previous 5er had an extended kingpin and a very flat lower front section and I could back it into a 90° angle. Our current 5er also has an extended kingpin, but has a front cap that comes closer to the truck cab. I can't back it into a full 90°, but have had no problems getting it into some tight spots. Experience in backing and going slow are the keys.
2001 Silverado 2500HD LS CC/SB Duramax/Allison Indigo Blue
2004 Cedar Creek 31LBHBS 5er
Our Team
Rallies Attended: 3½
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DiananColin
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 10/15/2003
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We have a Pullrite. My feeling is that it is cheaper to buy the slider than we repair the truck and trailer!! Accidents do happen that why they are called accidents.
Diana and Colin
2005 Montana 3400RL
2004 Dodge Ram 3500 Quad Cab Diesel Laramie
Prodigy Brake Controller Pullrite Superglide
Very spoilt Shih Tzu
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gmanmp
Yuma, Arizona
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Joined: 02/18/2005
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Jason, I am in the same boat...just bought a Dodge 3500 short bed. and must get the hitch installed.
not to hijack your thread (jason) while replying, can anyone state info on the install....difficulty? bed liner need to be cut?
04 Dodge 3500 QC CTD 4X4
06 Weekend Warrior LE3305
wifey, daughter (3) and son (6mo)
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Kadeey
Atlanta Georgia Area
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Joined: 07/04/2003
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I'm using a Reese 16k manual slider and haven't had any problems with it. Under normal driving conditions, I've never needed to extend the slide. Only had to use it a couple of times at campgrounds. When you see the fifth wheel coming up to your rear window, it won't take long to remember needing to extend the slide. Eventhough I like auto transmissions, I like knowing that I moved and locked the slide manually myself.
Karen, Hubby, David & our two (2) little 4-legged boys, George & Louie (Shi Tzu)
2000 Dodge RAM 1500 Quad-Cab 4x4
5.9L Gasoline Engine, 3.55 Axle Ratio, W/Short bed
towing a 2003 Keystone Outback Lite-Way 527RL-S 5th Wheel
16K Reese Hitch. transmission cooler and a digital temperature gauge
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the_vfox
Minneapolis MN
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Joined: 01/15/2005
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I have a short bed and a non slider, I just take my time and go slow. No dents,dings or oppies.
Fox and Angel (Vinnie and Brenda) fuzz ball cats 
Don't call me on the weekend, Im out camping.
2004 Chevy Silverado LS 2500HD 4x4 DA 4dr 
2003 Jayco Eagle 263 29'Super Slide 
Dell Inspiron 1520/WIFI
Go Blue, US Air Force(retired)25 years
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rkelly
Denver CO.-USA
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Joined: 02/01/2002
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In your first statement you said you had a friend that jack-knifed his fifth wheel into his cab...here's your sign...get a slider.
1999 F-250 4x4- LARIAT-7.3 POWER STROKE- Automatic-Crew Cab 30,000 original miles
16K 4 Way Husky Slider
2004 AMERI-CAMP F300BHS
 Bob,Dee Dee, Jordan & Erin
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CANEY
Midland, MI,USA
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Joined: 09/21/2004
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Depends on your trailer. I did not need one with my Coachman Catalina but with my HR Savoy it is needed. I have only used it twice. Sure was handy.
Dennis & Melody
2004 27 FT HR Savoy
2000 GMC 1/2t Std Cab short box
NOMADS
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prairiesurfer85
Independence, MO
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Joined: 06/11/2003
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--------------------------------------------
Experience in backing and going slow are the keys.
--------------------------------------------
My experience:
1. backing - lots of trailers and a little on Dad's 5er
2. going slow - none, but I may have learn soon. I just put a deposit on a 33' Carriage Cameo w/ an extended pinbox.
I think I want a slider anyway, but am debating on auto/manual. Manual gives me an option of sliding back to have room under the bedroom w/o having to unhook.
'03 Chevy 2500 Crew, short bed, D/A,
'05 Carriage Cameo F33CKQ
Reece Signature 18K Slider
Banks Six-Gun, Airlift,
Prodigy ctlr, Transfer Flow 45 gal tank,
LineX liner, Advance Cover folding bed cover, Onan 4K gas, Cargo trailer full of windsurfers;
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HODieselRam
Colorado
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Joined: 09/21/2003
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I opted for the Superglide. Well worth the money
03 Dodge 2500HD QQ HO CTD 48RE 4x4 SLT/16K Pullrite Superglide/Jordan BC/Magnaflow muffler/Firestone airbags/Edge EZ/Di/Pricol gauges Cubby mounted.
04 Laredo 29BH 31ft 5er/2 batteries/custom class III receiver hitch/DVD/loaded
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