Thanks to all of you who forwarned those of us with a shortbed. I did buy a slider hitch and will be pulling from Illinois to J'ville. Florida this friday.(First time pulling...ever ).<br>As advised, I checked the distance from the kingpin to the rear, and, voila, it would have torn it to shreds. All shortbed owners with fifth wheels, be WARNED! :'( THANKS AGAIN.<br>Popeye.<br>............................. ......................<br><br>'03,Patriot Blue,QC., 3500, SRW, HO, 6 sp.,4x4, Rhino liner, posi,8,000 miles in 7 weeks. Love the truck.

 

What about us long bed regular cab guys?

 

I just returned from my 4 day camping to Gulf Shores. I did not have to engage my slider for any reason on this trip. Camping site was a back-in and plenty of turning room for my setup. Earlier I had tested the tailgate situation and solved it by using the tailgate cable looped above the close bracket, allowing the tailgate to be lowered part way when the slider is engaged. This method will allow you to turn without hitting the tailgate or the tailgate to hit the camper. Works for me.<br><br>Had a great camping trip at the SKP park there but weather was not good. Put 303 miles on the trip with 216 of it towing (at 52 mph), the rest city driving. Have not checked the mileage but trip computer says 15.2 mpg, combined.<br><br>Still have roaring fan problem (comes on for no reason) and dash mystery lights. Lots of power towing my load.

 

Ken,<br><br>I hope the weather improves in Gulf Shores. I am headed there in another month or so. 1,035 miles one way. Will be the first long pull for the new truck. Can't wait to get rid of this snow.<br><br>Casey

 

Casey<br><br>Come on down. The Snowbirds will be leaving and you should find a campsite. Most all campgrounds are full now but will not be the case in a month. Gulf Breeze is a great one if you don't have another picked out. Spring Breakers are just starting to show up there and that will last for several weeks. Don't think they will be in campgrounds. We try to go there twice yearly.<br><br>Enjoy. 8) 8) 8)

 

Ken,<br><br>We have reservations at Gulf State. Arriving on April 16th. Making a four day stop in Townsend, TN on the way down.<br><br>Sure am looking forward to it.<br><br>Casey

 

You will enjoy the State Park, nice place. While you are there go to Orange Beach and look up a place to eat breakfast called &quot;Tacky Jack's&quot;. Go hungry. Not a nice place to look at and you will wonder what am I doing here, but oh so good. Order one omelet and share.<br><br>Of course don't forget &quot;Cades Cove&quot; in the mountains. Another great place to eat breakfast in Gatlinburg is a place called &quot;The Burning Bush&quot;. Located at the last light prior to the mountain on Rt 441. Best breakfast I have ever eaten and includes a glass window room with a view of the mountain.<br><br>Have fun and enjoy. I am getting all excited just thinking about it and may have to plan another road trip.............