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Old 06-24-2022, 03:01 PM   #1
mike1234
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Hitch Questions

1. How often do you grease the jaws or puck?
2. Is anyone using a regular hitch on a regular truck bed (not long bed, only 6.7") for a Cougar half ton? Do I need a sidewinder or slider hitch instead?
3. I could lower my hitch a little, my trailer does not ride level, it is high in front lower in back. Should I level it out with the hitch?

Thanks, for your input, it's nice not making these decisions in a vacuum, and the dealer is useless now that we own it.
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Old 06-24-2022, 03:24 PM   #2
RollaMo
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mike1234 View Post
1. How often do you grease the jaws or puck?
2. Is anyone using a regular hitch on a regular truck bed (not long bed, only 6.7") for a Cougar half ton? Do I need a sidewinder or slider hitch instead?
3. I could lower my hitch a little, my trailer does not ride level, it is high in front lower in back. Should I level it out with the hitch?
2019 GMC 2500 Double Cab - Regular bed
B&W Companion Hitch (Not the slider)
2022 Cougar 24RDS

No issues at all, but I really haven't tried (or do I ever see a need) for a full 90 degree turn.
I believe I can turn as sharp as I ever intend without any clearance issues.
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Old 06-24-2022, 03:29 PM   #3
tech740
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Being that you have a new trailer you should not need a sidewinder for what I consider normal conditions. Level is better but make sure you keep 5 inches or more clearance on your bed rails to the overhang of the trailer. I use a short bed Ram to pull my trailer which also has a rounded edge front cap and no issues.
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Old 06-24-2022, 03:35 PM   #4
bsmith0404
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Check the owners manual on your hitch, it’ll tell you about greasing the jaws. Personally, I never have. I do use a lube plate though.

I’ve never used a slider and never saw a need for one. I suppose it’s possible to make cab contact, but have never had a need to cut that short. Can still turn tighter than with a travel trailer connection. I don’t like dragging tires and putting that much pressure on the axles and wheels.

Get as close to level as you can as long as you maintain the clearance on the bed rails. I’ve gone as low as 4.5”, but that’s not recommended. If you can keep at least 6”, that’s preferred. Less than that you do run the risk of hitting the side of the bed if you get the truck going one way and the 5er another on uneven surfaces.
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Old 06-24-2022, 06:24 PM   #5
Camping family
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mike1234 View Post
1. How often do you grease the jaws or puck?
2. Is anyone using a regular hitch on a regular truck bed (not long bed, only 6.7") for a Cougar half ton? Do I need a sidewinder or slider hitch instead?
3. I could lower my hitch a little, my trailer does not ride level, it is high in front lower in back. Should I level it out with the hitch?

Thanks, for your input, it's nice not making these decisions in a vacuum, and the dealer is useless now that we own it.
While since we have the same 5th wheel I will tell you what I have. I have a pull right 5th wheel slider hitch. I pull with a f350 short bed the reason I purchased the slider because I was told you could damage the rear of the truck cab. So I purchased the slider. Do I need it don’t know but I have not hit my cab while using it. To me it’s worth it. As for greasing it my manual states to use wd 40 everyday while towing.
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Old 06-28-2022, 12:11 PM   #6
grey ghost
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Hitch

I pull a 35' Montana with a F-350 diesel 4x4 and have a 18K BW slider. I did NOT want to put a huge dent in my front end cap or knock out my rear window so the Slider hitch, now I don't worry even if I'm at 90 degrees, which has happened. I grease my hitch about once every three months or so, the BW has a removable head and grease cert right under the head so it makes it easy. Just for peace of mind I enjoy the slider hitch!!
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Old 06-28-2022, 12:13 PM   #7
grey ghost
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Hitch

Oh, as for lowering your hitch, there are adjustment bolts on the hitch which will allow you drop or raise you hitch, but as stated earlier make sure there is about 5 or so inches between the bed rails of your truck and the bottom of your end cap!
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Old 07-04-2022, 03:57 AM   #8
hondapro87
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I grease the jaws at the start of the season and again about half way thru, I put just a little grease on the pucks when I put the hitch in in the spring. I have the B&W Companion slider I have yet to be in a situation where I needed to slide it to keep from hitting the cab. It is nice to slide back while hitching up at times to give the tailgate a bit more room.
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Old 07-04-2022, 06:54 AM   #9
jsb5717
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I have driven short bed trucks for over 20 years and have always used a standard hitch. I’ve never hit the back of the truck with the trailer. 90 degree turns are a marketing thing but not a practical one. Turning that tightly isn’t good for your axles and I’ve never been in a situation that needed it. If you know how to back up a trailer then you can plan accordingly. Conventional travel trailers can’t back at 90 degrees either without jack-knifing and hitting the bumper.

I do keep an eye on any potential contact with the truck cab when in tighter turns. If you’re concerned about it then get the slider.
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Old 07-04-2022, 06:41 PM   #10
wrvond
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The Cougars have a curved front cap specifically designed to mitigate the chance of impacting the cab during a turn.

My hitch has Zerk fittings to grease the pivot points of the jaws, plus requires a bit of grease on the king pin where it makes contact with the jaws. I pump red sticky grease in there about every 90 days. I use a lubricating plate between the hitch and king pin plate so don't need to grease that surface.
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Old 07-07-2022, 01:16 PM   #11
rlh1957
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No need to grease my Anderson. No turn issues.
I’d damage a tire or get an axle out of alignment before having turn issues.
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Old 07-07-2022, 04:27 PM   #12
Camp CA
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1. How often do you grease the jaws or puck? Never

2. Is anyone using a regular hitch on a regular truck bed (not long bed, only 6.7") for a Cougar half ton? I used a reguar hitch on my 3/4 ton short be for 12 years without an issue. Then replaced with a slider hitch for 2 years so I for park / turn flexibility. Now have a long bed with a regular hitch.

3. I could lower my hitch a little, my trailer does not ride level, it is high in front lower in back. Should I level it out with the hitch? Yes, absolutely, albeit maintain at least 5-1/2 inch clearance (per Curt) between truck bed rail abd fifth wheel trailer cab.
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Old 07-07-2022, 07:21 PM   #13
GaryUT
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Read the instructions that came with the hitch for proper lubrication. I have the B&W slider hitch.

There is a grease fitting on the pivot that should be greased every 6 months. The poly bushings need to be greased with white lithium grease as needed. I put a thin layer of grease on the kingpin where it contacts the jaws before each trip, I clean it off with a paper towel after unhitching. I use a lube disc.

I keep a small container of grease in the pocket of the drivers side rear door.


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