1989 to present, three short bed trucks and five 5th wheel trailers. Never a problem. Started when the only 'aid' on the market was the extended pin box. Now, with manual/auto sliders, Sidewinder pin box and notched front cap fifth wheels how can there be a problem with all the improvements? Well, maybe what to buy.
Larry Day
Texas Baptist Men-Retiree Builders since '01
'03 GMC 2500HD D/A EC SB, Jordan controller, custom RKI bed/hitch, TF 45gal tank, grey Speedliner
'11 CrossRoads Cruiser CF32MK loaded Rig Photos
5th wheels now come with extended pins so really a slider in a short bed truck in not needed anymore, I have a slider because my old 5th wheel had a straight pin box and I had to slide my hitch to get any kind of turn radius, but I bought a new 5th wheel and now I dont have to slide my hitch.
Have 2011 326rlt Montana Mountaineer and 2010 Chev 2500 durmax with short bed. Have a sliding hitch, but have yet to have to use it, even on very sharp turns. One note, the guy who installed my hitch - a
Valley slider - reminded me that I must put my tailgate down to extend the hitch otherwise it will jam into the tailgate. I also have a Fifth Airbone pin box, but only recently added that and haven't noticed any difference in turning radius.
I've had 2 shortbeds and 2 fivers and have always had an aluminum toolbox (its top is flush with the bed rails.) I also have a manual slider hitch which I've probably used less than half a dozen times since 2001; however, nice to have when you need it. The toolbox is shorter from front to back than some of them so that it will fit in front of the hitch; it does fine for me.
Mike
Mike & Donna Scheer
Green Valley, AZ, USA
2013 GMC SRW Crew Cab 3500 short-bed D/A
2013 HitchHiker Discover America 300 FK
Gobbler wrote: I currently use a long bed (8') but am seriously considering getting a short bed (6'6"). I would be lost without my across-the-bed toolbox directly behind the truck cab. I know some people use the slider type of 5th hitch. Do you experience any problems towing with the short bed truck? I just undecided!!!
My square-front FW will =not= hit the back of my cab at full lock in either direction going forward, but I do have a 4x4 crew cab, short box, which has a slightly wider turning radius than a 4x2. I can, and have, hit my cab going backwards, at no larger cost than a new rear glass. I do not feel that I need a slider, but take more care and patience now. My hitch of choice is the B&W Turnover Ball with 5th Wheel Companion.
Lyle
2002 GMC Sierra 2500 HD Duramax Crew Cab 4x4
Banks Bullet Tuner and Monster Exhaust
B&W Turnover Ball with 5th Wheel Companion
2004 Komfort 25FSG Fifth Wheel
1936 John Deere Model A
International Flying Farmers 55 Year Member
I have a pullrite slider on my shortbed truck....for a little bit more $$ it gives me peace of mind. Shortbed has no shortcomings....it sure handles better when driving solo in town.
2011 Carriage Cameo 34sb3
2005 GMC Sierra Duramax/Allison
Crew Cab/4x4
I have a Pullrite Superglide in my short bed F250. I have used this hitch with a full size tool box-low profile with no problem. I have also used a high profile tool box and the bottom of the pin box gets a little to close at 90 degrees.
I have the superglide, a week before I bought it I got in 2 situations where I had to get out and manually move the slide. This is the 3rd truck I've had it in, may not need it as this 5ver has radius corners, but peace of mind is better. Remember not everyone has a new RV or radius corners. Ron Day
2008 Chevy 2500HD D/A, Crewcab SB, Pullrite superglide
2011 Big Country BC 3250TS 33ft 5ver, disc brakes
2005 Sun-Lite 865 WS SB, truck camper
Ron - 29 yrs HS Tech Teacher (ret) 24 yrs USN/USNR Chief (ret)
Sheila - 29 yrs HS Home and Careers Teacher (ret)
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