Fifth Wheel Options for a 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Pulling a Trailer w/ a Rotating King Pin

Question:

I found this article on the Chevy 2021 2500 5th wheel options. https://www.etrailer.com/p-BWRVK3500-5W.html Can you tell me why the sidewinder is not recommended with the BWRVK3500-5W? No, if you: -Have a rotating pin box like a Sidewinder on that new fifth wheel. The new truck does not have the OEM underbed mount. Really upset about this!! I have an Reese Elite puck hitch and was hoping to use on the truck. Now I find out no one has a setup for it yet. Im not against the setup in this recommendation The second option is to switch to the BandW Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # BWRVK3500-5W which uses the Custom Underbed Installation Kit # BWGNRK1020-5W. This is currently the only underbed hitch for your truck and can also be used as a gooseneck hitch if needed. but I do have the sidewinder pin box. I also need the part number for the inbed wiring harness and does it have the camera connections? Thanks Tony

asked by: Tony M

Expert Reply:

We definitely have a few options available for this situation. First and foremost, sidewinder style pin boxes cannot be used with the B&W Companion hitch # BWRVK3500-5W due to how they connect to the under-bed rails or gooseneck, like the # BWGNRK1020-5W. It causes too much movement and wear to the connection points, which could cause failure.

If you wanted to stick with the under-bed style, you could also use the # BWGNRK1020-5W with a Reese Goose Box King Pin # RP85FR. This would replace your current sidewinder and completely negate the need for a Fifth Wheel hitch. Keep in mind, you would need to know your Pin Box Number to make sure it will fit up properly. If there is no number visible, I have an article included on how to determine this with measurements. It should also be noted that this option will shorten the clearance between the cab of the vehicle and the front end of the trailer. I included an install video of this for you to take a look at as well.

That being said, since you already have a Reese Fifth Wheel hitch, you could go with above bed rails # RP84FR and simply replace the legs on the hitch. The replacement legs will also depend on the model of the hitch, but fixed hitches with above bed rails should have no issues working with the sidewinder.

The Hopkins In Bed Wiring Harness # 41157 is a good option as well. With the robust door flap it is a solid and long lived part.