Possible to tow our fifth wheel Reflection 303RLS without using the capture plate on the Pullrite slider hitch?

[Tonemeister]

Effectively would be as if we just had a regular non-slider hitch with our Ford short box F250. This would increase the angle at which you could hitch up to the fifth wheel. Would also eliminate the "push/pull" clunking when starting & stopping when driving & towing. (I have countless times adjusted the large bolt & nut on slider hitch front as per Pullrites instructions. [I realize the possibility of RV hitting truck sides, but over past few years have never come across scenario where fifth wheel turns ever come close to truck sides.]

 

[Scousers]

The trailer would not remain centered ,,,ask me how I know

 

[Tonemeister]

Thanks for the reply. What exactly do you mean by "centered"? Without the capture plate attached to fifth wheel, wouldn't fifth wheel simply hook up to Pullrite jaws similar to other non slider hitches?

 

[Bungy]

Effectively would be as if we just had a regular non-slider hitch with our Ford short box F250. This would increase the angle at which you could hitch up to the fifth wheel. Would also eliminate the "push/pull" clunking when starting & stopping when driving & towing. (I have countless times adjusted the large bolt & nut on slider hitch front as per Pullrites instructions. [I realize the possibility of RV hitting truck sides, but over past few years have never come across scenario where fifth wheel turns ever come close to truck sides.]

NO!!! I tried that one time, big fail! The hitch will still move due to just the friction between the hitch and the king pin plate but it will not return to the centre.

 

[RV2600RB]

Effectively would be as if we just had a regular non-slider hitch with our Ford short box F250. This would increase the angle at which you could hitch up to the fifth wheel. Would also eliminate the "push/pull" clunking when starting & stopping when driving & towing. (I have countless times adjusted the large bolt & nut on slider hitch front as per Pullrites instructions. [I realize the possibility of RV hitting truck sides, but over past few years have never come across scenario where fifth wheel turns ever come close to truck sides.]

That will not work. As soon as you start to move forward the hitch will turn and slam to the rear.
Check YouTube for a video some guy posted and then claimed the Superglide was defective.
FWIW I used one (with the capture plate) when we had our fifth wheel. It made a much better towing experience for me by not having to worry about the trailer hitting the cab.
Rich

 

[RV2600RB]

Effectively would be as if we just had a regular non-slider hitch with our Ford short box F250. This would increase the angle at which you could hitch up to the fifth wheel. Would also eliminate the "push/pull" clunking when starting & stopping when driving & towing. (I have countless times adjusted the large bolt & nut on slider hitch front as per Pullrites instructions. [I realize the possibility of RV hitting truck sides, but over past few years have never come across scenario where fifth wheel turns ever come close to truck sides.]

I forgot to mention, there shouldn’t be any clunking when starting or stopping if it is adjusted correctly.
Rich

 

[RV2600RB]

Thanks for the reply. What exactly do you mean by "centered"? Without the capture plate attached to fifth wheel, wouldn't fifth wheel simply hook up to Pullrite jaws similar to other non slider hitches?

Yes, it will hook up fine. However, the Superglide head is designed to automatically move rearward as the head is turned by the capture plate when the trailer turns. Without the plate the head will just swivel and slide to the rear and stay there. Grab ahold of the unlocking lever and turn the head. You’ll see what I mean.
Rich

 

[Tom Traveler]

Thanks for the reply. What exactly do you mean by "centered"? Without the capture plate attached to fifth wheel, wouldn't fifth wheel simply hook up to Pullrite jaws similar to other non slider hitches?

If you can figure out some way to lock the hitch in place (keep it from turning or sliding) it should work. I have a Pullrite slider with a capture plate. I haven't looked at it to see if there is a way to bolt it down. You could probably weld it, but that would be permanent. No matter what you do, it would have to be rock solid or you could wind up with a real mess as others have pointed out.

I don't experience the hitch clunking as you describe but I have mine adjusted fairly snug. I still get the normal chucking from play between the pin and jaws but all hitches have some of that.

 

[RV2600RB]

If the OP wants a regular fifth wheel hitch, then that’s what he should buy. And sell the Superglide. There is no way to modify the Superglide to be stationary that would be safe for towing.
Rich

 

[Bungy]

Also I don’t think the Superglide head is designed for fixed use, you might have an unplanned rapid disassembly!

 

[Tonemeister]

Thanks everyone for all the input! I never did try to hook up without the capture plate, but was just curious if it was possible. Again this forum & its members prove to be a good knowledgeable site!