Best Fifth Wheel Towing Setup Recommendation for 2013 Chevy Silverado 5-1/2 foot Bed

Question:

I am upgrading campers from a 22foot bumper pulled type to a newer 5th wheel camperabout 9000lbs GVWR. I havent yet purchased the 5th wheel hitch yet. My truck is a 1/2 ton Chevy Silverado 1500 LT crew cab 4 wheel drive, 4 door Short box bed. The bed measures 6 feet but looks like they called that a 5 1/2 foot bed?? . 342axle, 5.3 V8, High capacity cooling, 9700lbs max trailer weight. MY question is: which 5th wheel hitch do I need so it works with the short box bed. What all do I need to hook up and pull? I would like it to ride smooth as possible. Thanks!

asked by: Rick D

Expert Reply:

For a fifth wheel hitch for your 2013 Chevy Silverado 1500 with a 5-1/2 foot bed we have exactly what you need. But since the bed of your truck is so short you will also need to use a Sidewinder pin box.

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 the smoothest ride possible you would want the Reese Select Plus fifth wheel hitch part # RP30081 that you referenced. This is one of the nicest hitches on the market due to it's great jaw system that prevents kin pin movement.

You will also need a fifth wheel rail kit. For that you would want a custom install kit like part # RP50064-58 that will minimize drilling and install time.

expert reply by: Jameson C