Gobbler
Chadbourn, NC
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Joined: 04/02/2002
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Sounds like a short bed is in my future. I've got my eye on one (Crew Cab, Duramax) if we can get together on the price. Thanks for all the great suggestions!!
2011 Silverado LTZ SB, 4X4, 2500HD Duramax/Allison
2001 Cedar Creek 30RKFS
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elkhorn98
Santa Rosa, California
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Joined: 07/31/2001
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I have a short bed with slider hitch and haven't used it. Actually I can't. The arm of the kingpin will hit the tailgate if I make a sharp turn with the hitch slid back.
Elkhorn98
2010 GMC Sierra 2500HD 4x4 Duramax/Allison w/45 gal Transfer Flow Tank
RBW X16 Slider, Yamaha EF 2400iS
2007 Springdale 245 5th Wheel - E-Z Flex HD Suspension & Mobile Outfitters Shock Kit Upgrades
with Firestone Transforce Ht Lt 2357515 C tires
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wittmeba
Virginia
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Joined: 02/02/2001
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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!!!
If the toolbox fits with the hitch in the tow position there shouldnt be any problem. The hitch only slides back from that location.
I was born in Great Falls, Mt. My parents moved when I was 5. I found them when I was 10 - they were in California.
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Sean32
Brampton Ontario Canada
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Joined: 04/18/2010
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I have a 5'5" bed with a Pullrite slider. Could not live without it. I tow (usually) with the bed cover (Bakflip G2) flipped up. The trailer contacted that going up a hill while turning. I have ordered the 3" lift kit to prevent that from happening again, as the Fords have deep boxes.
An autoslider means I never have to worry about sharp turns, like getting onto a highway at speed, and having to get out, slide back, turn, slide the hitch back to home, ... Worth the extra money IMHO.
2009 F150 4x4 Platinum with Max Tow, Pullrite 12K slider with pins, 2010 Keystone Cougar 27SAB with aluminum rims, remote, and Polar
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Ark235B
Jonesboro, AR
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Joined: 08/16/2009
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I have a rather tight uphill spot I park my rig in and have gotten into the cab 3 times. A Reese sidewinder is cheaper that the body work so I had one installed.  No more worries.... How so many of you have had no problems with short bed pickups reminds me of group that pull a 12,000lbs trailer with a 3/4 ton gasser and have no problems.
* This post was
edited 08/01/11 10:00am by Ark235B *
Justin Holder
2004.5 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab SWB "600" Cummins
2010 Coachmen Chaparral Lite 270RKS Fifth Wheel
PPSEL
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Mile High
Denver, CO
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Joined: 02/05/2008
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I DO need the slider because I don't have an extended pin box, but still no worries. I installed the electric release from Reese and we use it all the time - backing - getting fuel - pulling into a parking lot. I cannot use an automatic (superglide) because my front cabinet door will not open when in the tow position, and the superglide doesn't allow me to slide back the hitch manually.
Based on your signature - you probably have an extended hitch on that shorter rig.
I do store water, gas cans, and even coolers in front of my hitch. If you don't get too carried away, a toolbox should fit fine.
2006 Ford F350 4X4 SB CC SRW Powerstroke 6.0
2013 Redwood 36RL - full paint - disk brakes
"Comparison is the thief of joy! - Theodore Roosevelt"
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Firemanfred
SW Florida
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Joined: 08/02/2011
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When i purchased my Siverado Classic crew cab with 6.5' bed i was wooried about a slider or not. i have a Keystone larado 32 FW. i also have a steep incline to back in my yard. i have to make a sharp turn while in the incline. to my amaisement i never hit the cab. after lowere the hitch to raise the rear bumper hieght( would drag while backing up incline)i hit the underside of the cap of trailer with the rear corner of the bed. picking a camper with rounded or notched front cap and extented pin is the key.
2007 Silverado Classic Crewcab, 4x4, duramax, banks exhaust, 285 tire
2007 Keystone Laredo 32RS FW. 4 bunks fwd, qwn master rear, 11700gvw
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PEIwoman
SLC, Utah
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Joined: 07/27/2004
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What are some of the tool boxes that will work in the shortbed truck along with the 5th wheel hitch and extended pin box?
Brands & Sizes:
Thanks,
PEIwoman
2003 Dodge HO QC SB 4x4, BigWig, Fast Guns, Air Lift Bags, Bilsteins, Modded
Looking for the right Truck Camper this Spring
**could it be a Northstar 8.5 Arrow?
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jumper0407
NorCal - Sierra Western Slope
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Joined: 02/09/2011
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I have a short bed with a slider and use the slider when I want to open the front basement door on the fiver; the door won't clear the back of the truck otherwise. I also use the slider when I'm hooking or unhooking the trailer at an angle. I have the stock tailgate and it won't drop down without the slider if the truck-trailer is at any significant angle.
I've not needed the slider for turning radius issues, although I've almost needed it for bed/under-trailer clearance on certain steep drop-off turns.
I'm glad I have the slider under my Reese Signature Series.
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Dave H M
IL
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Joined: 08/11/2006
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Ark235B wrote:I have a rather tight uphill spot I park my rig in and have gotten into the cab 3 times. A Reese sidewinder is cheaper that the body work so I had one installed. No more worries.... How so many of you have had no problems with short bed pickups reminds me of group that pull a 12,000lbs trailer with a 3/4 ton gasser and have no problems.
 holy Cow, good thing you weren't playing baseball, three (I say again THREE) strikes and you are outta there. 
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