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Open Roads Forum  >  Fifth-Wheels

 > Slider Hitch Effectiveness

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Splashers3

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Posted: 02/09/09 02:06am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Asking those that have a slider hitch: Does putting back the slider hitch make the trailer MORE responsive? I have a slide hitch for my CC truck, however, my trailer is designed for 90 deg turns, which I can achieve easily without the use of the slide. However, I have a very hard driveway to back into (10' wide, dropoff edges, 8.5' trailer width) and was wondering if using it will make the trailer respond quicker so that I don't have to turn the truck as hard? I just got this 5ver, so have only backed down the driveway twice - still learning. Didn't think to use slide, as I don't need it...but will it help with quicker response times, ie shorter distance in which trailer reacts?n I plan on getting fill to make driveway alittle wider....

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just_dave

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Posted: 02/09/09 05:41am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I've heard sliding it back does make the trailer respond quicker. I haven't ever backed mine up with it slid back so I can't tell you for sure. I guess give it a try and see what happens. - Dave


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Posted: 02/09/09 05:43am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

i have a slider with short bed truck/38' 5th and my feeling is no improvment;
in fact i would say movement of the hitch while backing up makes judging more difficult; i do know for a fact the short bed has a greater clearance when manuvering. i towed a 30' tt with a 8' bed and the difference is night/day.
experience is perfection, and you just have to get used to it to master it.


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#20 Home Depot

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Posted: 02/09/09 06:34am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Yes it will make a difference but probably not enough to warrant sliding it if you have enough cab clearance already. Try it and see, you need to practice sliding it anyway Oh and one more thing...don't fall asleep thinking because you had enough cab clearance on level ground to think you will never have contact. Once things get uneven that thing can get close to the cab before you know it....always watch.


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Cheddarhead

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Posted: 02/09/09 06:36am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

A friend told me I would need the slider so I bought one. After buying it I realised my friend drove a Dodge with a shorter box that my Chevrolet. I have never had to use it and have plenty of clearance with the hitch in the forward position.


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Mac1

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Posted: 02/09/09 07:25am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

It will make the trailer respond quicker.

Hiking Hunter

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Posted: 02/09/09 07:32am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Yes, it will make it respond more like a trailer. I find it helpful when backing around a bend or a corner. It keeps the truck from having to swing as wide. Although, with the slide forward it's easier to back straight back (less "critical"). The slider will give you the best of both worlds.


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red_neck_camper

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Posted: 02/09/09 10:26am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

Yes, it does make a difference. I re-used my slider when I upgraded to a long bed truck, so I have done it both ways with the same trailer.

However, the difference is not huge. To me, it's more trouble to get out and slide the hitch than it is worth. I can still hit my driveway, although I have to make more correcting movements back and forth. You might have a situation where it would make enough difference to slide the hitch. You just need to try it and see the difference.

Ken


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wittmeba

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Posted: 02/09/09 10:54am Link  |  Quote  |  Print  |  Notify Moderator

I would say this. Mathmatically/geometrically it should. I would suspect so, but weather it is measurable or detectable, I dont know.

Much like having your hitch pin behind the axle by 1-2". Does it make the front end float? I doubt it, but some may say differently.


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