I'm at the same point with my new set-up. I have a new Ford F250 Superduty PSD shortbox, and just today signed the papers to buy a KZ Stoneridge 35RE. I know this is alot of trailer for my truck, but I think I should be OK (10,950 lb dry weight, 14,000 lb GVWR, 1,890 lb pin weight, 37'7" long). What I'm wondering is whether I'll need a slider or if I can get by with a standard 5th wheel hitch? The trailer does have an extended pin box.
Long Bed Dually w/ Diesel engine...I think you're somewhere between 18,000 and 23,000 pounds of towing capacity. You should be able to reference your owner's manual for the limitations. It is dependent on cab type, axle ratio, 4x2 v 4x4 etc... I would recommend a hitch that is close to the trucks capacity...unless certain that you'll not upgrade your camper for the life of the truck.
You want removeable rails...
You don't know your pinbox... but since you have a long bed, cab clearance isn't a problem. Your only real consideration would be whether or not you want an air cushion ride for the pinbox.
I'm not really an expert on removeable hitch systems...but a couple that you may consider are...
Pull Rite Super 5th with Super Rail system. There is probably a custom bracket for your model truck that bolts to the frame. Then 4 holes thru the bed accept the pins that the rails mount to. These can be removed from the bed when not in use...leaving a "clean bed"... The Pull Rite Hitch comes in a 20.5K and a 25.5... I wouldn't hesitate to go with the 20.5k hitch... Just me --- I don't see myself trying to pull anything bigger than that with a 3500.
Other than that...you might want a 5th wheel 7-pole outlet for the bed of the truck. Keeps your wiring connections inside the truck bed. This is usually a harness that taps into the connection on the rear bumper...to add an outlet inside the truck bed.
A brake controller and vehicle specific harness adapter
Towing mirrors, if you don't have factory towing mirrors already.
Reese makes a removeable rails system. I think it used to the called the Signature Series...I believe they now refer to it as the ELITE series.
Valley/Huskey make a revmovable rail system. I think it's called the UBS sytem (underbed system).
Of these...I would recommend the Pull Rite Super 5th.
The other thing to consider...is the pin box. With a heavier 5th wheel...you may want to get an airbag or rubber shock absorber pin box to dampen the hitch connection over bumps, etc...
If you decide to go with permanent rails...there would be some others that I would add to the list.
Hope this helps you find the hitch that's perfect for your new rig...
Congratulations on the Rig!!
* This post was
edited 04/07/12 08:26pm by chuggs *
stro1965 wrote: I'm at the same point with my new set-up. I have a new Ford F250 Superduty PSD shortbox, and just today signed the papers to buy a KZ Stoneridge 35RE. I know this is alot of trailer for my truck, but I think I should be OK (10,950 lb dry weight, 14,000 lb GVWR, 1,890 lb pin weight, 37'7" long). What I'm wondering is whether I'll need a slider or if I can get by with a standard 5th wheel hitch? The trailer does have an extended pin box.
In your case I would be looking into Rear Axle Weight Limits. If you've got room to handle the extra weight of a slider...I would recommend the Pull Rite SuperGlide. You could keep the weight down by selecting the 15K for Industry Standard Rails. If you don't have the weight capacity with that 5th wheel...you might consider the Patriot hitch...again for industry standard rails. That's a fixed hitch...so you're counting on your ability as a driver to limit your truck/trailer geometry so as to not have cab contact. It's actually a good idea to keep the angles down anyway...high angles put lot's of stress on the axles...one axle pivots, the other scrubs sideways. If you were backing a travel trailer you wouldn't try to get a 90 degree angle with your tow vehicle. So, basically, the same thing can be controlled with your 5th wheel...you just have to always, always be on gaurd.
I have the 15K SuperGlide for ISR in my Dodge 2500...and I will admit that it makes me SO happy that I never have to worry about hitting the cab...( unless I get like a 120 degree angle on my camper --- not happening!) My Camper is under 10K in weight...30' long. I didn't have to worry as much about the physical weight of the hitch.
stro1965 wrote: I'm at the same point with my new set-up. I have a new Ford F250 Superduty PSD shortbox, and just today signed the papers to buy a KZ Stoneridge 35RE. I know this is alot of trailer for my truck, but I think I should be OK (10,950 lb dry weight, 14,000 lb GVWR, 1,890 lb pin weight, 37'7" long). What I'm wondering is whether I'll need a slider or if I can get by with a standard 5th wheel hitch? The trailer does have an extended pin box.
Need more truck for that fiver. You will never see that 10,950 pound dry weight ever. Same for that 1890 pin weight. More than likely your pin weight will be far closer to 3000 pounds. What does that do to your scaled ready to camp weight of the truck?
Donn,Lorri,Max (The Rescued Lab)
Resident Know It All
Sounds like your getting a nice set up, however the best thing you can do for yourself, your truck , your trailer and your passengers is to buy an Air ride Hitch. Yes they are more money , but it is the best money you will spend, and when you consider the amount of your investment it isn't that much more than a static hitch. There are several that offer a good product including Air Safe , and Trailer Saver. These types of Hitches take out 99% of the stress that your rig will have while traveling and as passengers it is a much more pleasant ride. Good Luck and Congratulations on the new toys..Scott
shooterdad wrote: Sounds like your getting a nice set up, however the best thing you can do for yourself, your truck , your trailer and your passengers is to buy an Air ride Hitch. Yes they are more money , but it is the best money you will spend, and when you consider the amount of your investment it isn't that much more than a static hitch. There are several that offer a good product including Air Safe , and Trailer Saver. These types of Hitches take out 99% of the stress that your rig will have while traveling and as passengers it is a much more pleasant ride. Good Luck and Congratulations on the new toys..Scott
Hey Scott,
Do you know if either of these hitches have can be removed from the bed leaving clean surface??? Or are they fixed rails...that remain in the bed?? I was going to recommend the Hensley TrailerSaver hitch...if he was going fixed. If they have a removeable system...I'd like to add that to my knowledge base --- when helping guys pick hitches..
I take it you're using one of these?? How do you like it??
The best hitch for all heavy 5th wheels is the Trailer Saver, no doubt. However the best static hitch is the B&W turnover ball with the Companion 5th wheels hitch... However the capacity of the Companion is 18,000 lbs. You will have a clean Truck bed in 15 minutes or less and no pucks to deal with the B&W is the best static hitch I have owned. I have owned several other brands, such as Reese, Valley Huskey etc. So I do have hands on experience. I have owned 3 Trailer Savers and can assure you the TS is the best air ride hitch and takes the stress off the 5th wheel frame and also absorbs the shock from concrete dividers etc... Good Luck with you r choice... Happy Trails.....
Just my thoughts but I want nothing between the rails and the PU bed. I want steel to steel contact. Were I to have my bed sprayed I would tape off the top of the rails and let them spray away. But then I've never had a liner, never saw the need.
Clif & Millie
Ozzie half a dog tall and 2 dogs long
2009 Ford F350 SRW CC Lariat 6.4 Diesel
2011 Crossroads Cruiser CF285RL Patriot Edition
Static hitch = non slider I think. I'm also in the market for a 5th Wheel hitches. Just got a gmc 3500 srw standard bed. I'm looking a sliders for the just in case scenario. Considering the auto slides but they are a lot heavier and expensive.
The pullrite and hijacker has come up often in my searches with many people recommending the pullrite because of better customer service etc. I still am doing my research and had the same questions.
One question I would like to ask is, if the bed liner gets sprayed after the drilling of the holes and removal of the items in the bed, how does it affect it being bolted back in etc?
Thanks.
2012 GMC 3500HD, Diesel, Crew Cab Standard Bed, SRW
2013 Cyclone 3010 (to be picked up)
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