Short Box Challenges

[Go-red-car]

My old vehicle was a 2007.5 Silverado short (6'6") box. I had a Reese Elite 18K slider for a hitch (Reese puck system). It was impossible to use the slider extended as it would make contact with the tailgate. Learned this the hard way. Eventually went with a 5th wheel tailgate as just having the stock tailgate down made the corner of the tailgate come perilously close to the trailer on corners.

K so now we have a different TV (2018 Silverado) with the same box size. The previous owner sold me his new Curt 2500 non-slider puck-style hitch. I really don't want to swap out my tailgate as I lose my backup camera, and the slider will not work with the stock tailgate. I've read that some use the Reese Sidewinder pin box, but they are damn expensive. I'm thinking that I might just try it and see how sharp I can turn. I have a friend with GM truck and slider hitch and he never uses the slider due to the tailgate issue.

Any suggestions welcomed...

[CAG]

I used this on both the 2004 and 2014 Duramax shortbeds. Best thing going in my book.



https://www.amazon.com/Andersen-3220...396049470&th=1

[CAG]

Sorry, this is the one I wanted to post because it will fit your current rails. This is the one that I used.



https://www.amazon.com/Andersen-Hitc...dDbGljaz10cnVl

[Go-red-car]

Originally Posted by CAG

Sorry, this is the one I wanted to post because it will fit your current rails. This is the one that I used.



https://www.amazon.com/Andersen-Hitc...dDbGljaz10cnVl

OK thanks, it still says that it is for rails, which I don't have as I'm using the puck system. Do you feel that the gooseneck is better than a 5th-wheel hitch? I would have thought that it would present the same challenges with cab contacting the trailer on tight turns.

[CAG]

Originally Posted by Go-red-car

OK thanks, it still says that it is for rails, which I don't have as I'm using the puck system. Do you feel that the gooseneck is better than a 5th-wheel hitch? I would have thought that it would present the same challenges with cab contacting the trailer on tight turns.

The nice thing about the Anderson is that you can configure the system to give you more front or rear clearance. With that system and my hookup I could jackknife the trailer and not contact the cab.



I admit I am a novice with the puck system but I would call Anderson and talk with them. They are very helpful and it may be that it won't work for you but check and see.

[norty1]

I use the first one that CAG posted. Been using it for several years and have zero complaints. My sb truck loves it too!

Read some of the threads on the Anderson on JOF.

[hankstone]

Alot of guys use a rope or bungee on an open tailgate, tie it so it's open enough to clear the pin box but not enough to hit the trailer. I'd try that first, if it works it's a cheap quick fix...

[craigav]

Originally Posted by hankstone

Alot of guys use a rope or bungee on an open tailgate, tie it so it's open enough to clear the pin box but not enough to hit the trailer. I'd try that first, if it works it's a cheap quick fix...

Good point, in fact what I have done many times (for a different reason) is to wrap the tailgate cables around the tailgate frame pins which leaves the tailgate open about half way. That works well for those with a camera when you are connecting a bumper pull trailer as the camera will have the hitch in view. ~CA

[Mopar_Earl]

Just out of curiosity. If you had a short bed and had issues, why did you replace it with another short bed to have the same issues? Just my mind wondering. Lol


Earl

[Bigdog]

Whoever came up with the slider hitch concept is a genius.

I extend my B&W almost every time I back into a site whether I need it or not. That extra foot of space between truck and trailer, especially when the tailgate is down, was well worth the money.

[Dargo]

Originally Posted by Go-red-car

My old vehicle was a 2007.5 Silverado short (6'6") box. I had a Reese Elite 18K slider for a hitch (Reese puck system). It was impossible to use the slider extended as it would make contact with the tailgate. Learned this the hard way. Eventually went with a 5th wheel tailgate as just having the stock tailgate down made the corner of the tailgate come perilously close to the trailer on corners.

K so now we have a different TV (2018 Silverado) with the same box size. The previous owner sold me his new Curt 2500 non-slider puck-style hitch. I really don't want to swap out my tailgate as I lose my backup camera, and the slider will not work with the stock tailgate. I've read that some use the Reese Sidewinder pin box, but they are damn expensive. I'm thinking that I might just try it and see how sharp I can turn. I have a friend with GM truck and slider hitch and he never uses the slider due to the tailgate issue.

Any suggestions welcomed...

I have a 19 Silverado and installed the airborne sidewinder. I am happy I spent the money for it. The airborne is worth the upgrade cost from the regular sidewinder, definitely a better ride. I have on occasion needed a tighter than 90 turn into a campsite. One was even backing up the hill and I had plenty of space between camper and glass. Setup worked perfect for me.

[CAG]

Originally Posted by Mopar_Earl

Just out of curiosity. If you had a short bed and had issues, why did you replace it with another short bed to have the same issues? Just my mind wondering. Lol


Earl

Some people don’t have garage space or other parking space for a long bed, they are unhandy in traffic and in parking lots and the list goes on. There are reasons for people’s choices.

[Mopar_Earl]

Originally Posted by CAG

Some people don’t have garage space or other parking space for a long bed, they are unhandy in traffic and in parking lots and the list goes on. There are reasons for people’s choices.

Oh I'm sure there are reasons. Reasons for everything in life. But just trying to wrap my head around the had issues with short bed but then buy another. That's all. I definitely realized there are reasons but it wasn't mentioned. I can only assume it's some huge major thing to deal with the same issues on two different trucks. Like I said, just my mind wondering. So I asked.

Note, other than garage space I never had any of the long bed issues you mentioned above. My truck sits outside. But even a short bed crew wouldn't fit in my garage. Not sure a regular cab short bed would fit. I don't believe they make those anymore. Lol



Earl

[BuddyRay]

I've been towing with a Reese Sidewinder for about five years. It came on my Eagle LT from the factory so I've never towed a 5th wheel with anything else (towed TT for years).
I recently upgraded to the airborne sidewinder. I bent up the factory pinbox by doing something boneheaded - it was my fault, not the pinboxes.
I like not having to remember to adjust a slider hitch - and the auto adjustable ones are, as you said, Damn Expensive.
But I do have a close fit with the tailgate. When the rig and truck are straight, I have about 2 inches with the tailgate down. So I'm careful, if I'm at an angle, to let the tailgate down carefully.

[BuddyRay]

Oh, I should also say that I'm not convinced the extra money for the airborne version of the sidewinder was worth it - If I'm honest, I can't tell any difference in the ride.

[bgelyhome]

I use the PullRite Superglide on my 2018 GMC Sierra 6’6” box. Never had a problem with my Pinnacle on turns. Love the hitch.

[Cincinnati Kid]

Another vote for the sidewinder. I have the MorRyde orbital.
It works with any standard hitch. Besides the benefit of the 90 degree turning radius is he fact that nothing is spinning around in the bed of your truck. You don't have to worry about hitting the tailgate or side rails. You can fill the bed to the top with stuff, and nothing will get smashed by a pinbox swinging around.

[John91320]

We have a 2016 Ram shortbed and a 2016 Pinnacle 31RETS. We have a standard Reese hitch for the Ram pucks, and a Sidewinder pin box. No problem with turns, or the tailgate, or the ride.
#1 Son has a 2017 Chevy 2500, last year bought an Eagle... fitted his truck with aftermarket pucks. He bought a B&W hitch and 2nd generation Sidewinder. He loves the setup.
I like the newer Sidewinder as you can turn it around when parked - by hand. My first generation requires loosening the four turntable bolts - which I do when we are parked for some time. Then turn forward and torque the bolts.
I think the ride we get with the Reese combo is just fine - no chucking worth mentioning. And I pull 4,000 miles every summer.
Its all viewer discretion!

[RipinSC]

X2 on the Pullrite. Great hitch that will eliminate your issues.

[Go-red-car]

Originally Posted by Mopar_Earl

Just out of curiosity. If you had a short bed and had issues, why did you replace it with another short bed to have the same issues? Just my mind wondering. Lol


Earl

I've had a long-bed truck, and with a crew cab it is ridiculous to park. How many long beds do you see towing compared to short (standard) beds?