Those that tow with 6' bed and new Jayco fifth....

[gtsum2]

My 2014 Ram Laramie 3500 Megacab should be here within a few weeks (ordered it 6 weeks ago) and I think I have finally settled on a Jayco Eagle Touring 28.5BHDS fifth for the camper (after flip flopping so many times I have lost count!). My Ram will have the factory fifth wheel/gooseneck connections when I get it (for those that are not familiar, it is similar to the new Fords...has a gooseneck puck and then 4 pucks in a square pattern around it).

So, for those towing with a newer 3/4 or 1T with a 6'4" bed, how are the new Jayco Eagle Tourings (or eagle, etc) with regards to turning sharply? Can they do almost 90 degrees? Do you all use a sliding hitch....if so which one? There are only a few drop in hitches available for the new Ram factory mounting pucks (B&W and Curt). There is a picture frame adapter I can get and then install any hitch (sliding or otherwise) onto the adapter. I really like the Superglide, but I understand they do not make a capture plate for the new Jayco (have to use a universal one I think). Do I need a slider??

I like the idea of a Mor/Ryde pinbox, but can a person put Sidewinder pinbox on a new Jayco? That might be another option as it moves the pivot point backwards and should give plenty of room....just not sure if a Sidewinder can be installed on a Jayco?

The simplest solution would be to get a B&W Companion drop in hitch (non slider as they dont make the slider to fit the Ram factory system) and be done with it...install would take literally 1 minute...but I am scared that I need another option (either sliding hitch or a Sidewinder type pin box). Any thoughts and experiences is greatly appreciated as I need to get things lined up here before too long

[lefty2016]

I have a 2011 F250 with short bed. Just bought 2014 Eagle 31.5 RLTS. I installed the Husky 16K S with slider. It will give you 10 inches. I pulled it home and parked back yard. I did not use slider and was almost 90 degrees. Not sure I will ever needed. No one could tell me if I needed it. So I went ahead I bought. Did not want to damage truck and camper. I am going to pull this weekend and will Know more.

[Livinglife2]

I havent picked my new 5er up yet to know what the limits are but I went with the non sliding B&W companion set up, I called and talked to the jayco sales rep and with the new front corners being rounded he didn't see any reason why it wouldn't work. Like anything just have to watch what your doing backing up. I have it in the rear most position from back window and feel I should have plenty of clearance. I know on the out door channel fishers atv just bought a new dodge 3500 maga cab and he went with the sliding b&w companion set up but his bed is really short

[gtsum2]

Thanks for the replies. My truck is the same as Fisher's...3500 Megacab...bed is 6'4", so standard size (only size available with a Megacab). I really would like to get a B&W and be done with it if it will work for me (I kind of think it will, but who knows for sure??). Here is the B&W Companion for the Ram system....I should contact them and see if there is fore and aft adjust ability like yours...





If B&W made a slider to fit the Ram factory pucks I would be all over it..but they told me they have no plans at this time to do so.

[Livinglife2]

This is what mine looks like in the rear position the 5th wheel head is a little behind the rear axel but the anchor point is ahead of the axel in normal spot

[Livinglife2]

He didn't use the pucks he added the b&w goose neck hitch then added the sliding companion, he is pulling a huge raptor toy hauler

[gtsum2]

Originally Posted by Livinglife2

This is what mine looks like in the rear position the 5th wheel head is a little behind the rear axel but the anchor point is ahead of the axel in normal spot

Am I correct in assuming you adjust the fore and aft adjustments of the arms that stick up? I think I saw a vid of someone putting one together..it looked like there were several mounting holes to choose from (to change height and forward/back measurements).

[bcmorr]

I have an 08 Ram 2500 with standard box, and a regular non sliding reese 15k hitch. The new rounded front cap makes a big difference. I had it cranked pretty sharp when backing into my driveway, and still had some room. I haven't tried to do a 90, but I could probably get extremely close to it. I've always thought instead of buying a slider hitch, if you really have to crank the rig that hard, why not just stop turn your wheels hard the other way pull ahead a bit and get somewhat straightened again, then continue backing up. No slider hitch for me.

[gtsum2]

Originally Posted by bcmorr

I have an 08 Ram 2500 with standard box, and a regular non sliding reese 15k hitch. The new rounded front cap makes a big difference. I had it cranked pretty sharp when backing into my driveway, and still had some room. I haven't tried to do a 90, but I could probably get extremely close to it. I've always thought instead of buying a slider hitch, if you really have to crank the rig that hard, why not just stop turn your wheels hard the other way pull ahead a bit and get somewhat straightened again, then continue backing up. No slider hitch for me.

I was thinking same thing (why not pull ahead a bit and adjust ur angle and then continue backing in)....I am sure there r some situations where that might be tough but I've never towed a fiver before....just trailers and boats

[Livinglife2]

Three vertical adjustments from 16.25" to 18.25" and
4" of front to back adjustment with three coupler positions
I went with the mor/ryde pin box also and they do stick out a little past the front edge of the 5er this is tgallagher set up with a long bed dodge his is in the middle spot and lowest setting

[Jmooney]

Full superglide...... Love it. Never worry about hitting the cab.

[bcmorr]

Forgot to answer your question about the Mor/Ryde pinbox. I have a 33.5 eagle and it just has a standard pinbox. Pulls very nice and smooth. I'm sure the Mor/Ryde is great, but I think having truck and trailer level play a big part in the ride.

[carey965]

i have the sidewinder with my 2014 HT 27.5 BHS because i have a 5.5 ft half ton and it works great, i can almost go 90 degrees without sliding the hitch, with a 6.4 you should be able to do 90 with a fixed mount np

[RedHorse1]

I have the Ford F-350 short bed (6.5' I think) pulling a '13 351 RLTS with a B&W Companion. Also have the Mor-Ride pin. I haven't broken it all the way to 90deg and I don't think I can go that far. So far it hasn't been an issue. I have the hitch set up to the center in height and fore-aft.

[gtsum2]

Originally Posted by RedHorse1

I have the Ford F-350 short bed (6.5' I think) pulling a '13 351 RLTS with a B&W Companion. Also have the Mor-Ride pin. I haven't broken it all the way to 90deg and I don't think I can go that far. So far it hasn't been an issue. I have the hitch set up to the center in height and fore-aft.

Thanks for sharing your experience!

[Tgallagher]

I know this probably won't help much since mine is a long bed, but there is definitely more room than my previous eagles. It seems the hitch pin is set farther forward than with previous trailers. As livinglife2 stated earlier, I currently have my companion set up all the way down and in the middle setting forward to back. It puts my kingpin slightly in front of the rear axle with lots of room between the tailgate and trailer to move it more forward if wanted.

[Tgallagher]

[gtsum2]

Thanks for the pic and description.

[Thinker]

If at all possible get both a slider hitch and a towing tailgate with the notch in it. Else, one day, you will get in a tight spot, get stressed and crunch something.