Can a 5th Wheel Trailer be Towed with a Slider Hitch in the Slid Back Position

Question

Question:

I have a 3500 mega cab dually, Im new to pulling a Fifth Wheel camper, MY question is can you use the position closes to your tail gate to pull your camper instead sliding it back when needed.

asked by: J.V. S

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Expert Reply:

No, you cannot tow the trailer with a slider in the slid back position. This position is only for tight maneuvers where extra clearance is needed between the truck cab and the trailer overhang to safely make tight turns. For regular towing the hitch must be locked in the towing position.

Moving the hitch back puts the weight of the trailer behind the rear axle of the truck. This would cause all sorts of ride problems if you were to tow it that way. Steering would be affected, the front of the truck would be pointed up, braking would not be as good, and there will be additional stress on the truck and hitch.

If you have a long bed truck (8 foot bed) then you would not even need a slider. I have included a link to an FAQ on 5th wheel hitches for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

If you have the B&W Companion 5th wheel hitch #BWRVK3500, which is intended for installation in a square-shank B&W install kit like #BWGNRK1111-5W, then this hitch cannot be installed in the Ford OEM puck system. B&W makes a…

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Answer 2

You can install the B&W Companion in your 2020 Ford F-350 Super Duty with the factory puck system and a bed liner. What you'll have to do is just cut around the pucks as opposed to having to cut an entire square for the hitch to fit,…

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Answer 3

I definitely recommend going with a sliding hitch for your short bed 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500 to ensure your trailer doesn't crash into the cab of your truck. This is especially true since you mentioned the switchback roads and tight turns.…

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Answer 4

It sounds like you probably have the old Reese Classic 15k 5th wheel hitch, which is compatible with the #RP30048 slider base. This will allow you to convert your standard 5th wheel hitch to a sliding hitch.

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Answer 5

A fifth wheel hitch should remain in front of the rear axle, like how your Curt A20 #C16541 sits when not in the rearward position. It is not recommended to tow a fifth wheel trailer while the hitch is slid in the rearward position, as this will…

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Answer 6

When wiring a trailer connector, it is best to wire by function, as wire colors can vary. We have an excellent wiring diagram on our website, I will provide you a link so you can look at it. If you are looking at the inside of the trailer connector…

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Answer 7

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 8

Due to the slider mechanism you lose the ability to use the setting that would put the hitch in the lowest position when attaching a head to the Reese Square Tube Slider #RP30048. That shouldn't be a problem for you since you said you need to…

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Answer 9

It isn't safe to ever tow a trailer with a slider hitch in the rearmost position. You can get around in a parking lot no problem but since the weight is behind the rear axle it actually will unload the front axle which will make braking and…

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Answer 10

Assuming that your 2007 F150 is the short bed model with the 6 foot 6 inch bed, using the 16K slider hitch should present no particular problem with your fifth wheel trailer. Although the slider will gain you more clearance between the rear of the…

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Answer 11

I spoke to a contact at Horizon Global and they told me the height for the Reese Square Tube Slider for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch #RP30048 will be 14" - 17" with the hitch installed.

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Answer 12

If you were using the slider assembly part #RP30048 as the base for your fifth wheel hitch setup you could operate the slider with the full weight of the trailer on it. There would be no need to disconnect the trailer every time you needed to use it.…

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Can a 5th Wheel Trailer be Towed with a Slider Hitch in the Slid Back Position

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