Why Does Slider Fifth Wheel Hitch have to Be Slid Forward When Towing
Question:
can you tow with the slider set in the maneuver position
asked by: Lou
Expert Reply:
No you cannot do that. The maneuver position of a sliding fifth wheel hitch is only designed for parking lot speeds. It moves the pin weight of the fifth wheel hitch behind the rear axle of the truck and in doing so unweights the front axle of the truck. This means that braking power and handling would be diminished to a point it would be very dangerous at anything higher than highway speeds..
We one time had a guy drive here to etrailer with his fifth wheel somehow stuck in the maneuver position and he said the front end was bouncy and he felt it was very unsafe. Thankfully we helped him get it in the forward position.
So one solution is to use a hitch that slides automatically as you make tight turns like the Demco Hijacker Autoslide # DM8550034. This way you never have to get out and operate a slider.
To install this in your 2017 Ram 2500 with the factory rail kit all you'd need is the adapter part # DM6099.
Products Referenced in This Question
Demco 5th Wheel Rail Adapter for Ram OEM 5th Wheel Towing Prep Package - 25,000 lbs
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Adapters
- Rail Adapter
- Demco
more information >
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 16-1/2 - 19-1/4 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Q20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider for Ford Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- OEM - Ford
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned 360-Degree
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17-1/2 - 21-1/2 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: B and W Companion Slider that Fits 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 with OEM Pucks
- Q&A: What Info is Needed to See if Slider Hitch Fits Gooseneck Hitch in Truck Bed
- Q&A: Will the B&W Companion Fit Into OEM Pucks on a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 2500
- Article: Sidewinder with Rotating Turret for Short Bed Pickups
- Q&A: Recommended 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for 2017 Ford F-350 with Factory Rails that is Easier to Remove
- Q&A: 5th Wheel Sliding Hitch with Greatest Degree Angle for Dropping a Trailer at Unleveled Camp Site
- Q&A: Does The Demco Recon 5TH Wheel Hitch Need Lube or a Teflon Plate?
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 6-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Gooseneck to 5th Wheel Adapters
- Article: 30-Amp and 50-Amp RV Service: What's the Difference?
- Article: Best 2021 Trucks for Towing a 5th Wheel