Automatic vs. Manual Slider

craig62285 · 02-12-2018, 08:42 AM

I currently own a 2013 Jayco Eagle 314BDS.
Looking to buy a 2018 Jayco Eagle 325BHQS.

I am towing with a 2017 Ford Super F250/Crew Cab/Short Bed

Do I go with a manual or automatic slider hitch?

Thanks!

ROC-REQS · 02-12-2018, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig62285

I currently own a 2013 Jayco Eagle 314BDS.
Looking to buy a 2018 Jayco Eagle 325BHQS.

I am towing with a 2017 Ford Super F250/Crew Cab/Short Bed

Do I go with a manual or automatic slider hitch?

Thanks!

I got an automatic slider hitch - Pullrite superglide.
My reason: I hook-up and don't have to worry about it (i.e., when making tight turns moving forward or when backing up).
No need to get out out of the truck to adjust the hitch.

I've been very happy with our decision.

Hope this helps.

PlayersZ28 · 02-12-2018, 10:04 AM

I'm not using a slider. So far no issues. I figure if I need the slider then that turn angle is stressing the trailer wheels and I'll just park somewhere else.

craig62285 · 02-12-2018, 10:37 AM

There is no toggle switch in the truck or anything? It just moves on its own as you move? I wasn't sure but wanted to make sure.

Thank you!

Fishermanbb · 02-12-2018, 11:33 AM

No toggle switches. It is automatic. I have the pullrite Superglide as well. Mounted on the Ford Factory pucks using the OEM rail adaptor kit. 2017 F350 SWR SB. Towing a Pinnacle. Really works well. Zero complaints and IMHO worth the $. Also, relatively easy to put in and out and still have a completely flat bed when not towing. You just need to develop a system.

Mopar_Earl · 02-12-2018, 03:03 PM

If I had a short bed (would never though) I'd go automatic. Nothing to remember. If you skid it will automatically slide. If you start going into a jack knife it will automatically move. Get into a hairy traffic situation, it's automatic.

At times my trailer gets close to my cab on my long bed.

Earl

Doubleheader · 02-12-2018, 05:08 PM

I don’t have a slider but with our short bed Ram and 18 Eagle we can achieve a full 90 with an Andersen hitch. I know not a slider and I know not everyone buys into the Anderson concept. Not suggesting you should. I only posted as a point of fact. Good luck in your selection.

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PMC · 02-12-2018, 06:47 PM

I'm new to 5th wheels but went with a manual B&W slider in our short bed Ram. Backing it into our driveway the first time, which is a 90 degree back-in, and it didn't come close to the back of the cab. Figure I have it there if I need it but am guessing it won't be very often.

hyperactive · 02-13-2018, 08:19 AM

I would go automatic. I have a pullrite in my Tundra Crewmax pulling a 28-1/2 Jaco Eagle ht and the hitch is seemless, you don't know that it is sliding when it is.

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Chrisb-24 · 02-15-2018, 10:00 PM

Pullrite is the best on the market, just u-tube it for yourself.

cariboocreek · 02-16-2018, 05:47 AM

Go Pullrite. Automatic. Quality product designed for lazy and forgetful people.....like me.

Did you buy a manual camera or an automatic one? Did you buy a manual washing machine or an automatic one? Does your truck have a manual or automatic transmission?

Skidawg · 02-16-2018, 09:32 AM

Craig, first let me say, you are fine with either when you apply common sense while pulling your 5th wheel. That being said, if you do purchase a slider, then by all means purchase an automatic one. Again, either will do the job. It is your peace of mind and stress level that you are trying to measure, not the distance from cab to cap. Skidawg

bankedtime · 02-16-2018, 12:14 PM

Went to a auto slider, unlike others I chose a Demco, I found that the Pullrite just looked a little to flimsy compared to the Demco, for what it is worth I would not ever chance a short box pulling a large fifth wheel without one.

vcbice · 02-18-2018, 08:44 AM

I had a manual slider. I ended up never using it, I just became careful about how sharp a turn I made, especially going forward.

If you are going to get one get the automatic one.

When you get yourself in a spot you really need a manual one, it will be difficult to get out and deploy it (eg, a busy and tight parking lot). Or you won't be able to get the rig straight enough to allow the slide to operate, or you will be downhill, etc.

DonaandDon · 02-18-2018, 10:37 AM

Someone needs to post a pick of the stress placed on your tires/axel when excessive turning while backing. I never got the picture in action but this is the result of excessiveness. Remember once a tire has a pattern it will just increase that pattern. The picture below shows tire wear from backing into a concrete pad and driveway.

Mopar_Earl · 02-18-2018, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DonaandDon

Someone needs to post a pick of the stress placed on your tires/axel when excessive turning while backing. I never got the picture in action but this is the result of excessiveness. Remember once a tire has a pattern it will just increase that pattern. The picture below shows tire wear from backing into a concrete pad and driveway.

Looks more like bad camber to me. Would take a lot of tire scrubbing to wear like that. I often jack my trailer hard 90 or more on asphalt and never an issue. I actually rip up asphalt on my road jacking hard 90 into my driveway. Also at my girlfriends there is a cul-de-sac that is very small and I leave tire black marks on the asphalt while making that turn. You should see the tires flex in that cul-de-sac. Lol

I highly recommend you have your axle alignment checked.

Earl

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