fifth wheel hitches and brake controls

[Danny]

Just purchased a 2005 Glendale Titanium 32E37TS (GVWR 12,831), and will take delivery on the TV next week, a 2006 GMC 2500HD Duramax 6.6 diesel standard bed.  Two issues I could really use some help with.

1.  Hitches....The TV is a standard (short) bed, which would suggest a slider is called for.  However, with the design of the Titanium (cab-over) can I safely install a non-slider hitch?  If a slider is called for, any recommendations?  I read on the forum some pretty unfavorable entries regarding the PullRite SuperGlide....something to do with king pin compatability.  Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

2.  Brake Controllers...From what I can find throughout the forum, the Tekonsha Prodigy seems to be very highly recommended, and I suspect this will most likely be my final choice in purchase.  However, as I was reading through the documentation that came with the 5er, I found that the axles/hubs/brakes were supplied by "Dexter Axle".  In reading their literature on brake controllers, they tout what they refer to as a "state-of-the-art inertial controller called the Predator Series DX2".  Just wondering if anyone could comment on the Predator, or make any other recommendations.

Many Thanks,
Danny

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Well, Dexter recommends the Predator because they build & sell it, not necessarily because it is better. Tekonsha has been the leader in trailer brake controllers for decades and the Prodigy is one fine unit, both in its design and by the experience of many users (myself included).

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

As for hitches, it is always "safe' to install a non-slider. Folks seem to find it hard to believe that we old timers towed fifth wheels with short bed trucks for 20-30 years before the sliding hitch was ever invented, not all that long ago.

I haven't towed a Titanium myself, but the design appears to make it pretty simple to tow without a slider. Hopefully a real Titanium owner will add his/her own experience on this subject. However, in an article in RV Life magazine, the reporterr says yes, it can be used on a short bed without a slider.  RV Lifestyle Titanium article