To Slide or Not

[JFF&KRN]

New truck almost here!
2025 2500 HD GMC standard bed.
So existing is 2019 Silverado with sandard bed and 16K Reese Slider.
New truck requires puck system.
Planning on :
A- pick up a Curt Adapter (puck system) and use existing hitch.
B- purchase a new cmpanion (puck system) hitch.
C- purchase a new companion (puck system) slider hitch.
I have only used the slider 2 times in the last 5 years with this truck and once in 4 years with other truck.
Long story short; The times it was used was because I tried it, didn't make much of a difference in manuvering.
We have a 2019 Reflection 337RLS and had previously the 303RLS.
Anyone towing with short / standard 6 1/2 foot bed without slider?
Thoughts, comments etc.???
Thanks and have a great day!!!

 

[nprario]

I tow ours with the standard bed and BW puck mounted non slider. Never have even got close to having an issues. The newer Chevy GM puck mounts were moved back a bit from the earlier models so slider is non necessary in my opinion. Photos below to check how far I could go, you will never need to go this far.

 

[JFF&KRN]

New truck almost here!
2025 2500 HD GMC standard bed.
So existing is 2019 Silverado with sandard bed and 16K Reese Slider.
New truck requires puck system.
Planning on :
A- pick up a Curt Adapter (puck system) and use existing hitch.
B- purchase a new cmpanion (puck system) hitch.
C- purchase a new companion (puck system) slider hitch.
I have only used the slider 2 times in the last 5 years with this truck and once in 4 years with other truck.
Long story short; The times it was used was because I tried it, didn't make much of a difference in manuvering.
We have a 2019 Reflection 337RLS and had previously the 303RLS.
Anyone towing with short / standard 6 1/2 foot bed without slider?
Thoughts, comments etc.???
Thanks and have a great day!!!

I tow ours with the standard bed and BW puck mounted non slider. Never have even got close to having an issues. The newer Chevy GM puck mounts were moved back a bit from the earlier models so slider is non necessary in my opinion. Photos below to check how far I could go, you will never need to go this far.

View attachment 1317311View attachment 1317313View attachment 1317314

 

[JFF&KRN]

your is the 6and a half foot bed?
that is what i ordered so I am hoping I will be fine wihtout the slider.

 

[txloser]

No slider. B&W Companion set in the aft position in factory pucks. The puck system location coupled with the B&W hitch really negates the need for a sliding hitch on the 2020+ GM trucks. With a narrow body FW at least. Gets a little tighter with a full profile FW. I’ve done both.

 

[trailrydr]

Wasn't the stated concern with 6.5 (or 6.10) beds and no slider, backing a TV/RV on mostly uneven ground? I think on fairly even ground most 6.5 bed owners say they do fine (as in the photo in this thread) without one.

I got my auto slider for any situation in my short bed ford truck..... seldomly ever find a site, or traveling thru a most CGs, flat enough for both TV and RV I would trust without one. Of course... my opinion only.

 

[nprario]

I believe the standard bed is actually 6’10” not 6.5 and that is what mine is.

 

[JFF&KRN]

ok great
thanks!!!

 

[DougW9876]

I like having a slider even though it is very seldom truly needed.

I slide it back when hooking because it puts the hitch head to where I can see it in the mirror, which I can't see it with it forward.

With the slider back I have a lot more room between the truck and camper so getting things in and out of the front storage or the back of the truck is a lot easier when the camper is hooked up.

It also just gives me peace of mind and confidence when making tight maneuvers.

 

[SGT ROC]

I had a 2019 2500HD, and like you, only used it to try it out. Never needed it in 5 years. My 2025 2500HD being longer has much more clearance, and I got a Curt Crosswing hitch for last season. With the longer bed, and the Crosswing hitch point being further back, should not be an issue. First trip with the new truck is today, so we'll see for sure.

 

[Dr Dolittle]

I like having a slider even though it is very seldom truly needed.

I slide it back when hooking because it puts the hitch head to where I can see it in the mirror, which I can't see it with it forward.

With the slider back I have a lot more room between the truck and camper so getting things in and out of the front storage or the back of the truck is a lot easier when the camper is hooked up.

It also just gives me peace of mind and confidence when making tight maneuvers.

I tried the “slide it back to hook up” technique but then I couldn’t reach the slide lever from the side access step on my F250 when it was time to slide it back to the travel position.

 

[trailrydr]

I tried the “slide it back to hook up” technique but then I couldn’t reach the slide lever from the side access step on my F250 when it was time to slide it back to the travel position.

Yup..... exactly why I went with an Demco 18k Autoslide. Never leave home (pulling our 5er), or the cab, without it! And the wife likes it too!

 

[COGrandDes]

......or you just buy a long bed truck and all these concerns are alleviated( slider hitch weight, slider hitch additional costs, cab clearance, reaching the slider handle, seeing the hitch through the back window when you back up the truck and hitch by yourself, and etc.) PLUS you get to realize the advantages of the extra cargo storage and hauling capacity from that other 1.5' or more of bed space.

 

[JFF&KRN]

Well,
To all;
Thanks fot the input, I will be going with the B&W 20K puck system hitch.
less moving parts, less noise, more stability, manuvering isn't a big deal for me etc.
I never used it except to try it a couple times etc. and if a space is that tight to get into, I don't need to get in it anyway.
Extra storage etc, keeping a large truck small if that makes sense. it is only us two, the dog gets the back and all the things needed when on the road fit comfortabley in the truck and trailer.
Thanks for all the information.
We pick it up proably tomorrow as it has arrived at the dealer.
2025 GMC Sierra 2500HD Double Cab Standard Bed, 6.6 gas, 10 speed.
Looking forward to the new tow vehicle!!!!
Again,
Thanks!!!

 

[trailrydr]

, .....keeping a large truck small if that makes sense. it is only us two, the dog gets the back and all the things needed when on the road fit comfortabley in the truck and trailer.

Yup..... totally agree! Our short bed F250 7.3 gasser is already a PITA to park without our 5er connected, backing our F250 with the 5er can be a challenge. Love everything else a big truck offers in a short bed truck. Just wish Ford still offered the wide track front-end for the F250/350 SRWs.

If you tow bumper tows too, look into a front mount hitch. Added one to our F250 and its night day difference with parking our 18' car hauler tandem trailer.

Happy Trails
.

 

[Canadiansteelman]

New truck almost here!
2025 2500 HD GMC standard bed.
So existing is 2019 Silverado with sandard bed and 16K Reese Slider.
New truck requires puck system.
Planning on :
A- pick up a Curt Adapter (puck system) and use existing hitch.
B- purchase a new cmpanion (puck system) hitch.
C- purchase a new companion (puck system) slider hitch.
I have only used the slider 2 times in the last 5 years with this truck and once in 4 years with other truck.
Long story short; The times it was used was because I tried it, didn't make much of a difference in manuvering.
We have a 2019 Reflection 337RLS and had previously the 303RLS.
Anyone towing with short / standard 6 1/2 foot bed without slider?
Thoughts, comments etc.???
Thanks and have a great day!!!

I have a 303RLS and 2024 GMC 2500HD with 6’-8” box. I now use a new Curt fixed 5th wheel. I had a 16K Pull Rite slider but sold it and switched to Kurt. I like the Curt much better. Don’t need a slider with the 303RLS. Curt is much lighter to R&R from truck bed.

 

[JFF&KRN]

I believe elimnating the slider also isn't going to be an issue.
Like said earlier, usd it a couple times, just because and it really didn't make a difference. I don't think it has been out of the towing position for over five years.
I believe I will be able to turn at least 45 degrees if not a bit more before cab contact if that would happen. We are always careful and karen is a great co-pilot and guide when backing in to spots or putting away at home.
Thanks for your comments.
jeff