Slider Hitch Thoughts, Auto-Slide or Manual, Sought

[Dugoutnut]

I have a 2018 Ram 2500 short bed, factory OEM puck system. I also have a 2006 Dodge 2500 long bed tow vehicle. I am in the process of switching trucks for towing. I am a cheap, penny pinching miser (just ask my kids). I have spent hours talking myself out of the auto-slide due to cost and weight. Change my mind if you can.

I am now stuck on which manual slider brand to purchase, I really like the idea of being able to remove the hitch when not in use. The manual slider's weight is attractive both for removal and total weight when towing. There are several I am considering. Curt, B&W Companion and Reese. I prefer a unit built for the puck system and not one that requires a separately purchased "OEM frame" that you install a standard sliding hitch to. Adds weight and hassle. On the other hand, why shouldn't I spend the big bucks and go with the PullRite Super-Glide, damn the expense and extra weight?

So ladies and gentleman, what say you?

[Bungy]

I have a 2018 Ram 2500 short bed, factory OEM puck system. I also have a 2006 Dodge 2500 long bed tow vehicle. I am in the process of switching trucks for towing. I am a cheap, penny pinching miser (just ask my kids). I have spent hours talking myself out of the auto-slide due to cost and weight. Change my mind if you can.

I am now stuck on which manual slider brand to purchase, I really like the idea of being able to remove the hitch when not in use. The manual slider's weight is attractive both for removal and total weight when towing. There are several I am considering. Curt, B&W Companion and Reese. I prefer a unit built for the puck system and not one that requires a separately purchased "OEM frame" that you install a standard sliding hitch to. Adds weight and hassle. On the other hand, why shouldn't I spend the big bucks and go with the PullRite Super-Glide, damn the expense and extra weight?

So ladies and gentleman, what say you?

I’ll vote for the Pullrite, I had a manual slide before and forgot to pull the lever ONE time, $800 damage to the cab.

[SGT ROC]

Personally I prefer the Curt manual. I have the A16 - it's a slider that I have only used twice. Once to test it, and once thinking it would help me when backing into the driveway (It didn't help. Actually damaged my tailgate). Easy to take in and out as it can be broken down to 2 pieces. Very solid unit.

[backtrack2015]

I really liked the B&W manual slider for Ford pucks. The design of the jaws just made the hitch a joy to use. You can easily check for high-pinning as you can see the pin and jaws clearly from behind.

[traveldawg]

This right here might sway you one way or another......

We all have those "duh" moments - you know, the ones that wish we thought through or regret too late....

I vote for the slider. I've always used an automatic one. I'm lazy and now when I have one of those "duh" moments at least I can make a tight turn (U_turn usually) and have one less worry. Ya spent thousands on your rig and truck(s) so maybe another grand isn't such a bad thing.

I'd vote for a hitch with a wrap-around jaw. That comment will set off some replies. But I just like seeing that something is wrapped around and locked.

I'll support you which ever way you go.

[Dugoutnut]

You make great points. There is 100k between the two rigs. I appreciate your support.

Sent from my SM-G988U using Tapatalk

[traveldawg]

not to get too far off topic here but...... I just had to chuckle a bit when I read your signature... wife: Canadian..... just never saw that before....

in case my DW ever reads this forum I'd have to put: wife: always pleasant... or is it always present? anyhow.... nice sig line!

[GeoffnCheri]

I have a 2018 Ram 2500 short bed, factory OEM puck system. I also have a 2006 Dodge 2500 long bed tow vehicle. I am in the process of switching trucks for towing. I am a cheap, penny pinching miser (just ask my kids). I have spent hours talking myself out of the auto-slide due to cost and weight. Change my mind if you can.

I am now stuck on which manual slider brand to purchase, I really like the idea of being able to remove the hitch when not in use. The manual slider's weight is attractive both for removal and total weight when towing. There are several I am considering. Curt, B&W Companion and Reese. I prefer a unit built for the puck system and not one that requires a separately purchased "OEM frame" that you install a standard sliding hitch to. Adds weight and hassle. On the other hand, why shouldn't I spend the big bucks and go with the PullRite Super-Glide, damn the expense and extra weight?

So ladies and gentleman, what say you?

I wont attempt to change your mind at all. Hike your own hike, pull your own rig. Our tow vehicle is a 2011 F-250 6 3/4' bed. We chose a PullRite Superglide for the following reasons:

Pros:
As a 1st time 5th wheel owner I wanted peace of mind in tight turns or backing to avoid contact with the truck cab.
I live on a dead end street with a cul de sac which requires a very tight turn radius to turn around
Absolute peace of mind when backing .
Wife can jump in and back the rig without having to worry about getting out and manually having to release anything.
When hitching, there is not doubt when the hitch locks in.

Cons
You need to be within 10 degrees to hitch or unhitch
Heavy
Can be noisy, creaks a little.



Overall:
I have found the hitch performs as advertised. I knew it was heavy when I did the research. Hitching and unhitching is easy and I absolutely enjoy not having to worry about cab contact. For us the PullRite was the right choice. Absolutely no regrets. YYMV

Edited to add. Everyone has bad days but I wanted to avoid this https://www.mygrandrv.com/forum/show...ut-rear-window

[Dakota]

"Wife can jump in and back the rig without having to worry about getting out and manually having to release anything."

Heh, heh, heh... That isn't going to happen anyway. Lol. I've suggested my wife learn to use the dump station and she suggested I find another wife.

[SGT ROC]

"Wife can jump in and back the rig without having to worry about getting out and manually having to release anything."

Heh, heh, heh... That isn't going to happen anyway. Lol. I've suggested my wife learn to use the dump station and she suggested I find another wife.

My wife didn't suggest I find another wife for the dump station thing. She has dealt with that kind of thing for years - Nurse. She wants nothing to do with anything other than when we set up, doing the interior stuff - slides, awning, etc.