towing 5th wheel?

ironhEad · December 29, 2006

i'm thinking of purchasing a 2006/2007 diesel Sierra (old style).

In the future I plan on pulling a 5th wheel with it, and was just wondering what kind of limitations I would have if I bought a short-box? I was told that I would be unable to cut really sharp with the 5th wheel as it would hit the rear window. I know it also depends on the size of 5th wheel I buy, but I was hoping someone had a more knowledgable opinion on this? Thanks

taco · December 29, 2006

i'm thinking of purchasing a 2006/2007 diesel Sierra (old style).
In the future I plan on pulling a 5th wheel with it, and was just wondering what kind of limitations I would have if I bought a short-box? I was told that I would be unable to cut really sharp with the 5th wheel as it would hit the rear window. I know it also depends on the size of 5th wheel I buy, but I was hoping someone had a more knowledgable opinion on this? Thanks

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Go to WWW.RV.NET and ask ..... They have a forum just for 5th wheels

bsmithC3500 · December 29, 2006

Go to WWW.RV.NET and ask ..... They have a forum just for 5th wheels

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Ditto taco's post above. Do a search on "slider hitches".

IMO - If you're primarily going to tow a 5er, buy a long bed. You ALWAYS need more room for stuff when you tow.

StoneyPgh · December 29, 2006

Go to WWW.RV.NET and ask ..... They have a forum just for 5th wheels

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Ditto taco's post above. Do a search on "slider hitches".

IMO - If you're primarily going to tow a 5er, buy a long bed. You ALWAYS need more room for stuff when you tow.

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I tow a 5th wheel with a short box, mainly because my preference

in trucks for daily driving is an extended cab with a short box.

A slider hitch is almost a must because you never know when you

might be required to make an extremely sharp turn.

I use a manually operated Reese Kwik-Slide hitch, but I've never

had to use it while driving. I do use it routinely when backing into

a campsite, just to be on the safe side.

The Pull-Rite automatic slider is the hot setup if you want to pay

the rather large price tag. It is the premium fully automatic slider.

ThorsHD · December 30, 2006

I also puul a 33ft fiver with a short bed. I spent the extra money for a slider and have never had to use it. go with the pull right if you can. they are alot more money but slide automaticly.

ABQFirefighter · December 30, 2006

I also have a 33' 5'er and a Reese slider. Only time I have had to use the slider was just because I wanted to see what it would do. My trailer clears my cab with no problem.

Shaners · January 1, 2007

Alot depends on the front cap design of your 5'er.

I have a new fifth wheel but had it delivered so I don't have a hitch yet. After alot of talk and thought, I'm not sure I'll need the extra $ spent on a slider, because my Jayco has a very curved and streamlined front cap. I don't think I'll have a problem with it hitting my cab...

However, I think I might buy a rocker (swivel) with a lockout feature for easy unhooking on uneven ground.

BlackSilver · January 2, 2007

i'm thinking of purchasing a 2006/2007 diesel Sierra (old style).
In the future I plan on pulling a 5th wheel with it, and was just wondering what kind of limitations I would have if I bought a short-box? I was told that I would be unable to cut really sharp with the 5th wheel as it would hit the rear window. I

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I've pulled 5th-wheel trailers with two short box Chevs. You don't need a long bed. (see signature photo)

Every modern 5th wheel comes equipped with an "extended" pin box (and if they don't, you can have one installed for peanuts) which gives you all the clearance you need for any normal maneuvering. I happen to have a sliding hitch in my truck, but I've never once been in a situation where I neeeded to slide it (although sometimes it comes in handy because it gives you better "leverage" in backing maneuvers). The sliding hitch is only about $100 more expensive than a non-slider, and a good investment. I'm sure someday I'll get into some awkward place that I really need it.

Bottom line --- if your preference is for a short bed, don't let the 5th-wheel be the reason you settle for a long bed.

Shooter_va · January 2, 2007

I also bought a slider hitch, but have not used it, yet. I have about 4" of clearance between the trailer an the truck cab. I have an extended pin box on the trailer.

I bought the hitch before I received the 5er and figured to better buy the slider and not need it than needing a slider and not having it.

ironhEad · January 3, 2007

Thanks a lot for all your input, this is a really helpful site. i'm going to go with a short-box, much easier to manuever and if 5th wheel towing is not much of an issue then my mind's made up. Still looking for my truck though

Wirenut · January 5, 2007

Titanium has a funny look to them and not sure what they look like on the inside but they are made for short bed trucks: (alittle pricey)

http://www.lazydays.com/rvs/Fifth_Wheels/G...Wheels_006.html

There are a few manufactures out there that make corner cut front caps like this one "Aerodynamic Fiberglass Front Cap Improved Turning Radius Design". I saw one of these at a RV Show demonstration! They had it at less than 90° angle.

http://www.lakeshore-rv.com/cf/shopmast/pr...m?productid=352

http://www.keystonervsource.com/rvinventor...m.asp?id=321425