Can a Slider 5th Wheel Hitch be Used in a 2011 GMC Sierra with 5-1/2 Foot Bed
Question:
I have had a 2011 30foot Rockwood ultralite towed by a 2011 GMC crew cab with a 5-8foot bed. I have a Reese Sidewinder King Pin. I am replacing the damaged 5th wheel with something the same or similar. The truck and trailer jackknifed in a high wind and the hitch head actually broke off the hitch body and stayed attached to the Sidewinder Kingpin. I feel that the Sidewinder takes away from some of the towing stability inherent in a normal fifth wheel setup because the Sidewinder gives the 5th wheel more leverage in pushing the rear of the truck around especially in down hill breaking situations around turns. Also it seems that the Sidewinder wedge puts a lot of additional stress on the hitch. Maybe that is why mine broke. I think that a sliding hitch would be better and more stable. Your opinion? I cant find a sliding hitch that provides more than 14inch of travel. Would that be enough for my short be truck to prevent trailer/cab contact?
asked by: Chuck W
Helpful Expert Reply:
You cannot use a slider hitch in a bed shorter than 6 feet because it will not be able to slide back without removing the tailgate but worse than that you will not be able to make tight turns without hitting the trailer and truck cab together. A Sidewinder is the only option.
Sidewinders do put additional stress on the hitch because the trailer is locked out from pivoting at the hitch. You have to make sure you are using a 5th wheel hitch that can be used with a Sidewinder. I have include a link to a help article on this topic.
A Sidewinder is the only option though so we just need to make sure you have a good hitch. Reese 16K hitch # RP30047 is a great option. This is the old workhorse for Reese. Its been around a long time because it works well. Another option to upgrade you ride comfortability is to swap out your old sidewinder with an upgraded 5th Airborne pin box. To replace your current sidewinder you'll need to need to know the bolt pattern of your. I've attached our guide to determining your bolt pattern. Once you know what yours is we can find the corresponding sidewinder pin box. For example the # RP61412 will fit a Lippert 1116 or 1716 bolt pattern.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
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