Can I Pull A 5th Wheel Camper With A Chevy Colorado?
Question:
Could I tow an 18 ft 5th wheel with a chevy colorado 3.6 v6? Dan
asked by: Dan
Expert Reply:
It is possible to pull a 5th wheel with a Chevy Colorado. There are going to be a few limiting factors though, this vehicle really is not designed for 5th wheel or gooseneck towing.
I recommend using a Universal install kit like the Reese # RP30035, since there are no custom fit install kits available. This will give you your industry standard 5th wheel rails in the bed. From there you can put a hitch in the bed like the Reese M5 # RP30928. This hitch is rated for 20,000 lbs so it will be more than enough for what you will be pulling. You could of course use any 5th wheel hitch that is compatible with the ISR (industry standard rails). Please note that with your truck it would require the use of a rotating pin box (sidewinder). This is the only way to move the pivot point back far enough to allow turning clearance. You would also need the Sidewinder wedge kit # RP44FR.
Also, I am not sure exactly what year and model of Colorado you have, but most of these are only rated to tow a maximum of 6 or 7 thousand pounds. You can check the towing section of your owners manual for more detail on your specific towing capacities. You will want to be sure whatever camper you are attempting to pull will not overload your truck.
You may also want to beef up the rear suspension to keep it from sagging. Something like an air bag kit, or at the very least a Timbren bumpstop. Feel free to contact me directly with the specific year, make and model of your truck, and I can make some recommendations.
I have included a few links below if you want to get a better idea of what is involved.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10 Bolt
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Universal
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Reese M5 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Single Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 14 - 18 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Sidewinder Wedge Kit for 20,000-lb Reese ELITE, M-Series, or ProSeries Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel King Pin
- Wedges
- Pro Series 5th Wheel
- Reese 5th Wheel
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10 Bolt
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Universal
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
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