It depends on the strength of the UTH. If the UTH you have isn't getting the temp up high enough, either buy a stronger one or add a light. I find that the only UTHs available to me that are stronger than the one I have cover too much floorspace for a proper gradient, so I added the light.
You should have the UTH on one side of the tank. He should also have at least one hide on the side near the heater and at least one hide on the cool side away from the heater. Snakes don't have a "favorite" hide, they have favorite area with the right temp and humidity. So it doesn't really matter which hide is on which side.
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