Do I need a Slider hitch 2012 High Country Cougar 246RLS 2022 Ram 3500 6'7 bed

[hylasw]

I have a 2012 High Country Cougar 246 RLS and a 2022 Ram 3500 6'7 bed truck do I need a slider hitch ?
I want a hitch me and my wife can remove if we need to so we can use our truck bed. I have looked at sliders like BW and way to heavy to remove. Also looked at the Anderson hitch got mixed reviews with it Camping world says very good hitch, hitch install companies don't like the Anderson.
I also looked at the Curt Crosswing (suppose to have a 5 inch setback) looks like a good hitch but not sure if it would give me enough setback so I can still turn good.
I know my 2012 High Country Cougar 246RLS has a longer pin then most and suppose to be rated you can tow it with a 1/2 ton truck anyone know if you can tow it without a slider in a 2022 Ram 6'7 bed ?

[chuckster57]

What hitch do you have now? How tight of a turn do you anticipate?

You can take a tape measure, and note the distance from the King pin to the corner of the trailer. Then find the center of the bed, about 1” forward of the rear axle. Using your measurement hold the tape at the point the kingpin would be and start moving the tape until it contacts the rear of the cab. You can then estimate the sharpest angle you can turn.

Since your trailer is older and no concern of voiding the frame warranty, an Anderson wouldn’t be out of the question. You can also look into a different pin box that move the pivot point back, assuming you have a standard hitch.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=reese+sid...l_9gjx2ycm82_e

[travelin texans]

Might want to check out the Reese Goosebox. Its approved by Keystone & Lippert then the only thing to do in the truck to have a clear bed is turn the ball over, no lifting at all.

[hylasw]

Do you know does the Reese Goosebox work well with short beds ? I have a 2022 Ram 3500 6'7 bed ?

[chuckster57]

What’s in the bed now?

[hylasw]

I had a 2002 Ford F250 long bed was using Resse 16k 5th wheel hitch but I sold my truck went with a 2022 Ram 3500 6'7 bed

[chuckster57]

Originally Posted by hylasw

I had a 2002 Ford F250 long bed was using Resse 16k 5th wheel hitch but I sold my truck went with a 2022 Ram 3500 6'7 bed

Ok, so I’ll ask for a third time…what’s in the bed now?

[fjr vfr]

Doubt you'll need a slider as long as you have the rounded corners on your trailer.
I have a Ram with a 6'4" bed. I bought a curt A16 manual slider and have never used it in the slide position. I have frequently backed at 90 degrees and still have clearance before anything contacts.
I like the curt A16 because the head separate's from the base by removing one big lynch pin. Makes it easier to remove and install. I also have a portable crane from Harbor Freight I use taking it in and out.
One other thing, if you purchase from a local dealer they may let you try it out at their site with the option to exchange it with another model if it doesn't look to work? I'm sure Camping World or someone else would help you get the right one. Just not as cheap as getting it off the internet.

[mudrockatc]

Just my 2cents, I have a 2022 Ram 3500, have used a Anderson on my last two fifth wheels, current is a 2019 Montana, 41FT, GVWR just shy of 17Klb, like Chuckster57 said, I am beyond frame warranty, which is the only controversy about the Anderson. I find it interesting that Lippert bought out Reese, and now the Reese Goosebox is the only non conventional hitch they will warrant! Hmmmm!! Anyway, I am 76 years old, and easily install and remove the Anderson by myself, it weighs less than 40lbs, also very easy to hookup, and unhook, absolutely love it!!

[Camping family]

That question is asked a lot. Me I think it is all up to the owner. I have a short bed truck and for piece of mind I went with a slider. I look at it like this. Better to have n not need then to need and not have. Yes they are heavy, yes they are more expensive. But how much does it cost to repair the back window and side corner of the truck. To remove I use a engine hoist I purchased from harbor freight. Works well for me I only have to move it by hand a few inches once it’s connected to the hoist.

[Dean Penner]

I have a Reese 18K slider hitch available that puck mounts into the bed of a pickup. It is like new and I no longer need it. If you are interested in buying it, send me a PM. I would think you would need it with a shorter truck bed.

[VaVOs]

That fifth wheel (246 RLS) is the exact model we have. I pull it with a short bed 2019 F150 crew cab, so went through the same issue you have. Our solution was to use a Sidewinder pin box, whcih moves the pivot point back to the trailer instead of up at the hitch. You install a plate onto the pin which keeps it from pivoting at the hitch. That way you don't have to worry about getting a slider hitch, and for us it's been flawless. I can turn at a 90 degree angle if needed (not that I'd want to).

[440scout]

Originally Posted by hylasw

Do you know does the Reese Goosebox work well with short beds ? I have a 2022 Ram 3500 6'7 bed ?

It will if you get the 4" to the rear extension which will get you the cab clearance you may need, available on Amazon for about $150. I needed it because my grand design solitude is almost 8-1/2 feet wide. I have the same truck except it's a 2012 and I use the Reese Goosebox rated for 20,000 pounds. Because the Reese Goosebox has an adjustable pressure airbag builtin and 2 shock absorbers, it almost completely eliminates any chucking which makes for a smooth towing experience. On my truck the hitch ball only weighs about 15 pounds and gets removed from the truck bed after releasing a pull pin from the driver side wheel well, then simply pull the ball up and out of the bed. But your truck may have the puc system incorporated in the bed making it even easier.