5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, Install Kit, and Air Bags for a 2006 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Diesel Long Bed

Question:

I have a 2006 chev silverado 2500hd duramax long bed. I plan on installing Firestone air bags to help with the ride. With all the hitches that are available to pull my 2014 Alpine 3590, how do I know which one to buy? The weight of the trailer is around 13,000. I plan on doing the install myself.

asked by: Dan W

Helpful Expert Reply:

You will want to look at where the air bag brackets install and where the 5th wheel install kit brackets install before making your choices. The issue is that some air bag and hitch brackets need the same area on a truck frame to install and thus cannot be used together because they will interfere with one another.

I recommend using Firestone kit # F2250 since the brackets install on just the bottoms of the truck frame rails. And for a 5th wheel installation kit you can use # C16418-204 since its brackets install on the outsides of the frame rail. This is also a custom installation kit so there is only minor drilling needed in the truck frame.

For a trailer hitch I recommend the Q16, # C16120. It has a full floating head that is cushioned and it is rated for 16,000 pounds, more than enough for the 13,000 pound trailer. I have linked a video review of this hitch for you and a video showing installation of the air bags.

expert reply by: Michael H