5th Wheel Trailer hitch and Installation Kit for a 2005 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 6.0 Liter
Question:
I just bought a 2005 Chevy Silverado 2500HD 6.0L gas engine Crew Cab LS with 31000 miles. Its mint. I want to buy a 2005 Forest River Cardinal 29TS 5th wheel. The Cardinal weighs about 9600 lbs dry. Can I safely tow this with the Silverado? How much towing capacity does a factory tow package add to the equation? If I can tow this setup, what type of hitch would you recommend? Is there something I can add to improve gas mileage while towing? I am exited for this new phase of my life, but didnt realize there would be so much homework. Thanks.
asked by: Steven S
Expert Reply:
There are numerous possible configurations of the 2005 Chevy Silverado 2500HD and depending on the specific model the towing capacity can vary greatly. I checked the owners manual to determine the capacities.
If your Silverado is a 2-wheel drive model and has a short bed then the capacity is 10,100 pounds. If is 2-wheel drive and has a long bed the capacity is 9,900 pounds.
If your Silverado is a 4x4 short bed then the capacity is 9,800 pounds. And if it is a 4x4 long bed the capacity is 9,600 pounds.
Since the trailer has a dry weight of 9,600 pounds I do not recommend towing it with this truck. Once it is loaded and ready to tow it will likely exceed the capacities of any of the above configurations. Since you just bought the truck but don't have a trailer yet I recommend looking for a lighter trailer; one that has a gross weight that is under the towing capacity of the truck.
Since 5th wheel trailers can be heavier you might want to look at the travel trailers that are similar in size and features. But if you want to go with a lighter 5th wheel trailer then you will need a hitch and installation kit.
For an installation kit you can use # RP50064-58. This is a custom kit so there is no drilling needed to install the frame brackets. I have linked a video that shows an example installation for you.
For a hitch it is going to depend on if you have a long or short bed truck. For a long bed you can use the Reese hitch # RP30047. This is a 16K capacity hitch with a double jaw and 4-Way pivoting head.
If you have a short bed truck then you will need a slider to be able to make tight turns. I recommend an automatic slider so you don't have to get in and out of the truck to activate the slider. For that we have the Demco HiJacker # DM8550034 rated for 18K. It also has 14 inches of travel which is the most of any slider hitch we carry. More travel means more clearance between the truck cab and trailer overhang.
There isn't a lot you can do to improve gas mileage while towing but adding a programmer is probably the best thing you could do. The Suerchips Flashpaq # SU2845 has a mileage save mode but when towing a heavy trailer you will probably want to use the heavy tow mode for more power. But when not towing you can use the mileage mode and help recoup some of the mileage lost when towing.
Products Referenced in This Question
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 16-1/2 - 19-1/4 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
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
more information >
Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Superchips Flashpaq F5 Performance Tuner - GM - Gas/Diesel
- Performance Chip
- Performance Tuners
- Tuner Only
- Color Screen
- No - Not California Approved
- Flashpaq F5
- Superchips
more information >
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