Reese Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation to Replace an Older Reese Hitch in a GMC Sierra

Question:

I have an old maybe 15 years old Reese 5th wheel hitch, part # 30026 rated at 14,000/3,500 pounds, that Id like to replace. One of the pins on the locking jaws is bent so that the jaws dont line up when they close. Im leery of using it to tow anymore. Ive been looking over your RP30047 which looks good to me. I would hope that it would fit the rails on my 2002 GMC 6.5foot bed Sierra truck which are 22inch apart. The legs are separated by 28.75. Would you expect the RP 30047 to fit right in? I suppose I could replace the jaws if they were available for my hitch, but I didnt see any listed as a direct physical replacement. What is the delivery time for the 30047? Thanks a bunch for your help.

asked by: Larry C

Expert Reply:

Your old Reese hitch is designed to fit the same industry standard rail dimensions that the current fifth wheel hitches like the part # RP30047 would fit.

The # RP30047 would be a great option for you if you had a long bed truck. It has a slightly higher towing capacity than your previous hitch and features a 2 piece jaw that provides great king pin contact. It will install easily in your current rails. I attached a review video for this hitch for you to check out as well.

Since you have a short bed truck you are going to need a slider hitch to allow you to make sharp turns. For that you would want the part # RP30075. This is basically the same hitch except mounted to a round tube slider. Round tube sliders tend to operate smoother than square tube ones.

expert reply by: Jameson C