ok, i purchased a 2003 chevy quad cab 1500hd, i know this is not the idea pickup to pull a fiver but i got a sweet deal on the pickup, it is equipped with the 6.0l, 4.10 gears, and trailer towing package, near as i can tell it is designed for right at 10,000 trailer towing capability, it has e-range tires and will be getting a set of air bags for the rear in the next couple weeks, been doing alot of looking at campers, guess my biggest concern is turning when pulling a 5'er, dont want to crash the corners of my pickup and camper, how many of you pull with a shortbed pickup, ive noticed alot of campers with the hitch almost even with the front of the camper, that would seem no problem when making turns, but not sure, i would like to get away from buying a high dollar sliding hitch if possible, was thinking of a 28-30' fifth wheel or possibly the same length bumper pull, i am well aware of the gross combined weights and all that, but seen quite a few campers at around 8000-1000 pounds, so my truck should pull it with no problems, any thoughts and ideas on this?? thanks, i do have a lead to a sweet sliding hitch, but just looking at other options before i go that route! thanks, Tim
I think anymore manufacturers are designing fifth wheels with the extended pin box and front cap to work with shortbed trucks. I do have a slider in mine, but have I have never needed to slide it back. I have plenty clearance and can get the truck at 90 degrees without ever hitting. I would decide first on what you are getting for a camper then determine if a slider is needed.
The GM trucks come in 3 lengths short (5'8"), regular (6.5') and a long bed. If you are talking about a short bed for towing, this is the only fith wheel hitch that I think will work for you. This is actually a pin box - not a hitch. Its called a Reese Revolution. There was another one called the Sidewinder. Here is a video:
thanks,yes i would really like it if this thread didnt turn into a payload and diesal thread, i am not a full timer and camp at 4 different lakes all within an hour of my house, so getting there the quickest and having the most expensive pickup in the campground does not interest me, just looking for some opinions on pulling a 5'er with a shortbed pickup, thanks for any input!
and yes my pickup has the 6 1/2 foot bed, i just went and measured....seems to me, the chevrolet has more area between center of rear end and front of box as well?
Not familiar with the 6.0 4:10...sounds like it should handle a 5er if you keep an eye on your pin weight. I had a 2000 Chevy with the 5.3 and tow package...smaller engine and not as powerful as yours, I also towed a 27' Prowler 5th wheel with the truck....I died going up the mountains that I tow in NC, and ended up buying a 3/4 ton 8.1 D/A....Again, the 6.0 with 4:10 should work, but whether some in here like to hear it or not, I'd make sure your truck will be able to handle the amount of pin weight you'll be putting in the bed of the truck....1/2 ton trucks do have their limits, just like the 3/4 tons and 1 ton SRW and DRW trucks, whether they be a gasser or diesel...just do the math.....
Jim & Kathy
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With a 6-1/2' bed you might be able to get by with a manual slider that you will only need to use in extreme turn situations. I have a Pullrite Superglide 12K that slides automatically, but it is more expensive than most but really needed for my shorter 5-1/2' bed.
2002 Keystone Cougar 286, 8,400lbs loaded, pulled with a 2004 F150 Supercrew, 5.4, 3.73 gears. Retired and enjoying life
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