5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Install Kit for a 2012 Chevy Silverado 2500HD and Sidewinder Pin Box  

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The first thing you will need is an installation kit for the hitch for your 2012 Chevy Silverado 2500HD. There are above the bed options with rails that will always be present in the bed; and there are below the bed kits that, once the hitch is removed, leaves an empty bed with no rails.

For an above the bed rail kit, brackets, and hardware, you can use # RP50066-58. This is a custom installation kit which means no drilling into the truck frame for installation.

For below the bed you can use # RP30868. Once installed there will only be 4 pucks in the bed that are basically flush with the bed floor. I have linked videos showing example installations of both kits for you.

Since you are using a 5th Airborne Sidewinder you will need to use a fixed 5th wheel trailer hitch and not a slider. This is because the Sidewinder moves the pivot point of the trailer back 22 inches so a slider is not needed nor recommended.

For the above the bed rail kit you can go with the Reese M5 20K hitch # RP30928. This hitch features a single, self-latching jaw for superior king pin contact. I have linked a video review of this hitch for you.

If you go with the below the bed mount you can use the new Reese M5 20K hitch, # RP30921. It also features the superior single-piece jaw, comes fully assembled.

And for either of these hitches you can use custom wedge # RP44FR for the best fit between the hitch and the king pin.

expert reply by: Michael H

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