Fifth Wheel Hitch and and camper prices

[stacktester]

I hope there is a salesman or good consumer buyer on our forum. I'm looking into buying a new 310 SRX Cougar in the near future. It's a toy hauler like my Hobbi but it's a FW and much larger. My ? is do you really need the slider hitch with the way these new noses are on these 5'ers and does anyone have the air ride type. I heard that the air ride is just wasted money but so many of you know better than me.

My second ? is when buying a new camper I've been told to offer 25% less than sticker price. The one I'm looking at is 35k so taking off the 25% would be around 26.5k. I thought this was pretty good when the dealer agreed to that and also agreed to pay off my Hobbi. (Actually a few more hundred). I know they have more to work with especially since they have about 10 locations (Suncoast RV) and are a big Keystone dealer. I went in a dealer in Panama City while on business and asked what the Cougar on his lot could be had for and he came back at 24,930. Now this was before he knew my trade. He offered me much less than my payoff for the Hobbi. Like 2,500 less. I was thinking if the financing goes thru I would say ok I'll do it if you install a hitch. Obviously I need that as I am now pulling a TT. I think it will still be fair. Sorry to go on and on and on but I guess this is a good place to ask as any since a lot on here have campers.

 

[becky1960]

As far as the questions on the 5th wheel hitch goes. The way I understand it you will need a slider if you have a short bed. I have a long bed and have no problems with not haveing a slider hitch. I havent seen anybody to talk to about a air ride hitch, so I guess most everybody does ok without them. I can see that they would be pretty good.

 

[tellnotails]

Try this .....Measure from the king pin to the front of the new 5er......measure the width of the new 5er.....Construct a T using 2 broom handles (or anything)..

Now pivot this T over your trucks hitch and see if you have clearance from side to side.....make any sense...

My guess is you will have plenty of clearance on a 6 1/2 bed.....

If you have a shorter bed you might get tight...

I know people who have purchased the expensive sliders and never use them.....

 

[lisa8200]

We have the slider because of our truck being a short bed. I have tried to back the camper in without sliding it back and I found that the slider is needed in my case. I only need a couple of inches with it in the forward position but, when you have to really cut it hard its important. This is with my equipment and yours may be different.

 

[King Mickey]

Hook it up and if you are having problems, get an extension for the trailer. My brother-in-law just got one for his 30' Jayco-$250. Piece of cake to swap them out once you figure the bolt hole pattern out. I think they are made by Leland. Can find out if need be.

 

[lisa8200]

Once again this is not to say that it won't work with yours but, I also have an extension ( this could explain why I'm so close to not needing my slider) and I still have to let the slide out for sharp turning back ins .