Recommended Fifth Wheel Hitch and Sidewinder for 2011 Chevy 2500HD Towing Alpenlite 29RK

Question:

I have a 2011 Chevy 2500HD crew cab truck with a 5.8 ft bed. I recently puchased a 2005 Alpenlite 29RK 5th wheel Alpenlite frame with a GVW of 14000 lbf. I would like to know if a Reese Sidewinder Airborn will work with this combination without cornering issues and what size and model to fit the frame I should purchase. Currently the trailer has a Airborn 21k mounted on it which seems rather large for a 14000 lbf trailer. In addition, what would be the best hitch for ease of use with this combination assuming that I want to be able to remove the hitch when it is not in use? Thanks for your help

asked by: Larry M

Expert Reply:

Are you sure about your bed length? Only the 1500 series has the super-short 5-1/2 foot bed. If your truck is a 2500, the shortest bed available would be a 6-1/2 food bed.

If you do indeed have the 2500 with the 6-1/2 foot bed, you could use a sliding fifth wheel hitch like the Curt, part # C16541, but the sliding hitch won't guarantee your ability to complete 90 degree turns without the fifth wheel striking the rear of the truck cab. Using a Sidewinder or Air-Ride Sidewinder would gain you 22 inches of clearance between the 5th wheel and the rear of the truck cab, making it much more likely that you'd be able to complete 90 degree turns. This route would also be more convenient, you wouldn't need to leave the cab of your truck to lock and unlock the slider.

The Sidewinder model you need will depend on the manufacturer and model number of the original OEM pin box. Since you have an air ride pin box installed, if you could provide me with the part number of the air ride pin box, I'd be happy to suggest a compatible Sidewinder.

If you decide on a Sidewinder, you'd install a standard, non-sliding hitch like # RP30928 using the # RP50066-58 install kit.

expert reply by: Mike L