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....
Thanks
2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD D/A
Ride Rite Airbags, Trail Air Pin Box, Garmin Nuvi 350,
Blue Ox Bed Saver, TST Tire Monitor
2009 Cedar Creek Silverback, GII, 32 WRL
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
2001 2500HD 6.0L 4.10 4x4 1999 Jayco Eagle 285BHS 5er Thank you Lord!
Draw-Tite 16K with Kwik-Slide
Prodigy
Bilsteins (on the truck)
Monroes (on the 5er)
Roady2 XM Radio
Perception Swifty 9.5 Kayaks
Pelican Break Kayak
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.
06 F250 6.0 TD,SC,SB,4x4,Towboss,3.73 rear.Firestone air bags,285/70 R17 3795lb tires,18000 slider; 04 38' Jayo Designer "Legacy" 5er; all I need now is satilite TV and hit the lottery; NAVY,"WE'LL NEVER FORGET,land of the free because of the brave"
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.
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.
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.
Amateur Radio WA4GIY
2009 Laredo 29RL 5er
2001 25' Nomad Scout TT
2001 Ford F250, 7.3L TD
Curt E5 with a slider
Tekonsha P3 controller
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
2007 FORD F-350 4WD SC Longbed, 6.0L Powerstroke, Reese Signature Series 18K hitch.
2007 Keystone Montana Mountaineer 342PHT
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