Comparing the B&W Patriot and Demco Hijacker AutoSlide Sliding 5th Wheel Hitches

Question:

Hows this hitch patriot slide compare to the super slide pullrite

asked by: Larry

Helpful Expert Reply:

We do not offer the Pullrite brand but in my research it does appear to compare to our Demco Hijacker AutoSlide like # DM8550024.

Both the B&W and Demco 5th wheel hitches are great for the short bed user. What will make the difference is the clearance needed by the user to have adequate turning clearance. For me personally also effort.

I have personally had to slide the B&W 5th wheel hitch # BWRVK3270 and it was by far one of the easiest, by a landslide, since the unit was built with the rails installed compared to other 5th wheel slider units. The B&W Patriot's travel will be 12 inches total from front to back, and a lot of the installers here say B&W 5th wheel hitches are their favorite.

The Hijacker Autoslide will eliminate the need to manually release the hitch sliding mechanism. This didn't stop me from attempting to slide this one by hand as well but due to its design and gears, I was unable to do without a trailer connected. Once the trailer is at a certain angle to the truck, the sliding mechanism releases, allowing 14 inches of additional clearance between the fifth wheel and the rear of the truck cab. This eliminates the need to climb in and out of your vehicle which can be tasking depending on how much you typically tow.

Below is the Clearance Formula that we use to ensure there will be enough space between your truck cab and trailer when executing a 90-degree turn. NOTE: At least 4 inches of clearance is recommended to safely execute a 90 degree turn.

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Offset used (slider clearance or Sidewinder offset)
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)

Without knowing what your year make and model of vehicle is I cannot confirm fitment of either product, if you would like to tell me, I'd be more than happy to give you a specific recommendation.

expert reply by: Jackie C

Thad E.

5/26/2020

Do you know if the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs is automatic or manual ??

Chris R.

5/29/2020

The B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Hitch # BWRVK3270 is a manual slider - you'll have to get out of the cab and operate it before making sharp maneuvers. The only automatic sliding hitch we have available is the Demco Hijacker; the 13K # DM8550040, 18K # DM8550034, and 21K # DM8550035.