IronJoce

I've been considering this 5th wheel hitch. How easy is it to attached the trailer with this thing? Also, how does the railing works, is it easy. With a 6.5 box, would you go with the non slider version next time since you said (in an another thread) that you almost never use the slider.

Thanks

Ranchwoo

Please explain a little more about the hitch system. I have the short 5'6" bed. Thanks. I found your model bu searching Google as was suggested and yes the weights listed do vary.

We have been looking at the Jayco's and really like the 23.5RBS. It has a different floorplan from most and provides a large open area. Our bumper pull is so narrow that one person has to sit to let someone pass.

According to the Jayco dealer, the storage/holding tanks are either over or behind the axle so that helps with the weight. The problem is the closest on is over 1K miles away. Prices are not too bad, way less than the list at numerous dealers and may drop as the model year drags on. Probably warrants a road trip. However, the search for other brands to consider continues.

SeaRayder

http://www.andersenhitches.com/Catal...onnection.aspx
I highly recommend it! The ball sits high enough that you can see it from the driver seat. This makes it super easy to line up the ball with the coupler. Then you just raise the landing gear to drop the coupler onto the ball, close the latch via the remote cable, attach the safety chains and lights and your good to go. No need to do a pull test or engage brakes, or anything like you have with a conventional 5er hitch. I have the rail version that fits in my Reese Custom fit industry standard rails perfectly. Plus it tows nearly silently with no bucking or chucking. I would not go with a slider personally, but it is your call. With my truck/pinbox/camper I will never hit the cab going forward on city streets. Backing up or making a U-turn you have to watch and be careful, but it would really have to be jacknifed to get it into the cab. With the towing mirrors it is very easy to see the trailer position relative to the cab, plus I always use a spotter. You never know when some kid will be in the wrong place at the wrong time. I just dont see a slider being necessary on the 6.5' bed trucks.

-SeaRayder

IronJoce

Very good info. I went on the Anderson website and saw a video of a guy hooking up with this hitch. It really looks easy.

You said you had the rail version. I tried to see how it looks like but didn't see much on their website.

As you said, slider are not always mandatory with 6.5 box. In my case, every time I backup in my driveway I need to slide the pin back. Because of the slope in my driveway the trailer would hit the cab. Yes maybe I could back it up without slider but that would be trickier...

SeaRayder

Exactly... A slider gives you an extra safety margin, but as long as you are careful and back up SLOWLY and with a spotter (which you should have anyway) you will be fine.

The rail version has 4 pins that lock it to the rails that are permanently mounted in the truck.

-SeaRauder

IronJoce

I always use a spotter anyway as well.

Now the more I think about it, I never tried to backup in my driveway in "towing" position. Maybe I should try that first with my current crappy hitch, I might be surprised.

Thanks again

LWFord12

I have a slider and I have only used it a few times but when I needed it, I really needed it. I have been pulling trailers of all types for years and can back a trailer into any hole as long as it fits. the slider is like a gun you hope to never use it but when you need to there is no choice. If I did Not have the slider I would not have not been able to park my rv and beening a few hundred miles away from home in the sumner trying to fined a park or spot that is not full, well I don't want to even think of that. Find a light manual slider and now you don't have to worry about clearance issues. I have seen two trucks now at the parks with damage form no slider. Can you do it with out most likely. Just think you pull up a night after a Long day on the road with your kids screaming. Now you need your wife to spot your truck why you back up into a little spot at night. Lol good luck but I guess we all take chances sometimes. I send my wife away when I back lol even worse is a father in law. I believe if you cant back on your own maybe it's time to rethink your plans. I use extra help to just keep people and dogs clear of the area when I back and that's there only job. Like I said you can do it but I like to enjoy my trip and having to do a 25 point turn at night after a long day is to much stress for a few hundred dollars and some more weight. Just load the rv right and you will be fine.

IronJoce

Thanks for your input, highly appreciated. You have valid points. Being stuck once because I do not have a slider would **** me off, damaging my truck and trailer would be even worst!

I use my wife as a spotter just to make sure I don't backup over a kid ;-)

I still have some time to decide what I'm gonna do since camping here only starts mid May ;-)

I'll let you know what I'll decide.

walker1

The combo of f150 and fiver will work under the proper conditions. Also, it depends on how safe YOU feel as all fivers will put gvwr, axle, payload, etc at or very close to limits.

I do not use GVWR of my fiver as a measure as it is 3000 lbs and the most I put in EVER was 1700. I weight everything and often!

Pin is about 15%.

Also, my Cougar X lite sticker has SHIPPING weight not DRY listed as 6920. At my local scale it was 6922...................and this is with battery, 2 30 pound tanks full, awning etc. Very accurate. Not all will be so do the research.
I encourage LT tires for more stable towing and added Supersprings in the rear knowing I was close on 7700 GVWR and axle rating. I like the 157 " wheel base and 6.5 ft box and have a slider. Heavy !@#$%^%$$#@ but probably necessary. I keep the box empty as the fiver has lots of exterior storage.
Tows great as others have said and better than my 5000 pound TT.

Good luck. There are units out there just keep looking. PM if any questions.

Ranchwoo

Interesting hitch. It does look very easy to install. How would that would with a 5'6" bed? I think I would still need something like a slider with that short of bed.