Fifth Wheel Hitch, Rail, Kit and Gooseneck Adapter for a 2013 Chevy Silverado 3500 Short Bed

Question:

I have a 2013 Chevy Silverado 3500 Diesel crew cab whit the shorter bed. It has a Curt 30,000 gooseneck twin pit flip ball. I am buying a 2007 Heartland Bighorn 3055 RL 5ht wheel. Have a gooseneck horse trailer thats why I have the gooseneck setup. How should I move forward with the 5th wheel? Install the recessed gooseneck to the trailer? Or leave the trailer as a 5th wheel and install a Curt 5th wheel receiver that couples to the gooseneck twin pin. I would need a unit that I could get out easily as I need the deb when not towing the travel trailer. I understand that the 5th wheel setups have less bounce than the goosenecks? But the gooseneck on the travel trailer is less complicated. I think the costs are higher to install the 5th wheel setup but want what best overall. Also will I need the offset gooseneck with the setup I described above? Can you give me your thoughts and some pricing to help make a decision? Thanks,

asked by: Dennis B

Expert Reply:

You are in a difficult spot, but I do have a solution for you that will make the most sense.

Because you have a short bed truck there really isn't a good fifth wheel trailer to gooseneck hitch adapter for you since you are going to need a slider hitch to allow the setup to make tight turns without cab interference.

The best option would be to remove the gooseneck hitch and go with a fifth wheel setup so that you can use a slider hitch and then use a gooseneck adapter like the part # 16055 to allow you to tow your gooseneck trailer.

For a fifth wheel rail kit you are going to want a custom install like the part # RP50066-58 as it will cut install time in half and minimize drilling when compared to a custom install kit. This kit also uses inboard style brackets rails which will be smaller and will allow more room in your truck bed for when not towing.

For a 16k slider hitch you would want the Reese Fifth Wheel with Round Tube Slider part # RP30075 as it uses an excellent jaw system and a round tube slider which will operate smoother than a square tube.