Fifth Wheel Hitch and Sidewinder Recommendation for a 2015 GMC Sierra 1500  

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Helpful Expert Reply:

A Sidewinder setup is going to be the best possible solution for towing a trailer with a short bed truck. Since you have a 5-1/2 foot bed it is actually the only solution you have since a slider hitch wouldn't be able to give you enough clearance. A slider hitch would only give about 12 inches of additional clearance when slid back, whereas a Sidewinder will give 22 inches.

For a truck with a 5-1/2 foot bed the 12 inches a slider provides just isn't enough to allow tight turns with the trailer attached. Another added benefit to the Sidewinder is that it doesn't require you to get out of your truck everytime you pull into a parking lot to activate it. It doesn't require any activation at all which means less hassle.

You will need to remove the pin box of the trailer and replace it with a Sidewinder pin box. Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have now in order to pick out the correct one.

There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.

Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.

For a fifth wheel rail kit you would want to go with a custom install kit since it will install much easier and will minimize drilling. For that you would want the # RP50064-58. I attached an install video for you to check out as well.

For a fifth wheel hitch the Reese 16k part # RP30047 would then be a great option as well. This hitch has a 16k capacity and a 360 degree jaw design that will provide excellent king pin contact.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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