Fifth Wheel Hitch and Rail Kit Recommendation for a 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 6 1/2 foot bed

Question:

We just purchased a 2001 Nash 28foot Single Slide fifth wheel from a private party and they included a 15k Husky Hitch with what appears to be all the hardware but not sure if installing this hitch will work properly and do we need to purchase the install brackets or just bolt it to the frame...we were burned out in the Butte Fire Disaster and our rebuild is taking longer than expected so will only be towing it approximately 20 miles and dont plan on traveling at all....can we just bolt the rails to the frame and call it good or will we encounter problems with the type of hitch it is...not sure if we will need a sliding hitch which will mean this one is useless...thank You for any advice you can offer

asked by: Trae

Expert Reply:

Since your 2014 GMC Sierra 1500 has a 6-1/2 foot bed you would need a slider hitch to allow you to make tight turns without cab interference. If you only are going to tow the trailer 20 miles and there won't be any tight turns or reversing needed you could get by with a stationary hitch if you were extremely careful. But if you plan to tow regularly you are going to have to have a slider hitch.

An extremely popular economical option is the Reese Hitch part # RP30051. Most likely the hitch rail kit you got is not going to fit either unless it happens to be a universal kit like the part # RP30035 that has L type brackets.

Otherwise I would recommend a custom install rail kit confirmed as a fit for your truck bed as it will minimize drilling and install time like the part # RP50064-58.

For a 7-way to install in the bed of your truck to make connecting your trailer lights easier you would want the part # 41157. Most 7-ways will be at the rear of the truck near the bumper which doesn't work will with fifth wheel hitches.

expert reply by: Jameson C