Options for Towing Short Bed Truck Aside from Manual Operated Slider Hitch
Question:
Hi I have a Short Bed Truck and will be purchasing a 5th Wheel Soon. I am interested in Purchasing an Auto Glide 5th Wheel Hitch. I understand that Pullrite and Demco Hijacker are excellent products. Do you know if there are any other Auto Sliding hitches available?
asked by: Norman D
Expert Reply:
Demco and Pullrite pretty much have the market cornered on automatic sliding hitches. Both are really nice and do a great job. The only downside is that they are really heavy since there are so many moving parts that have to be rated for the weight of a trailer. There is a different option that you might consider though that's actually even more convenient.
A Sidewinder pin box will give you the clearance you'd need and allows you to use a lighter weight stationary hitch in the bed of a short bed truck. The pivot point of the pin box moves back 22-1/2 inches which gives the clearance needed. Plus it makes backing up the trailer easier and allows it to track better behind the vehicle. It's the best option all-around.
You will need to remove the pin box of the trailer and replace it with a Sidewinder pin box. Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have now in order to pick out the correct one.
There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.
Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have. I also attached a video that shows a Sidewinder installed.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel King Pin
- Upgraded Pin Box
- Provides Turning Clearance
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Rotating Turret
- Fabex 663
- Fabex 665
- Lippert 0719
- Lippert 1621
- Lippert 1621HD
- M and M 663
- M and M 665
- Lippert Rhino
- Reese
more information >
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