5th Wheel Hitch Base Rail Position in 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 8-Foot Bed

Question:

I have just ordered a hitch with a RP56001-53 rail kit from Etrailer. In a question from Dean D. about hitch position relative to the rear axle, Mike L. said generally over or just in front of the axle. But, the position varies depending on the truck. My truck is a 2016 Chevy Silverado hd 3500 with an 8ft. bed and dual wheels. Could you make a more specific recommendation about hitch versus axle position for my truck?

asked by: Gordon H

Expert Reply:

Thank you for your 5th wheel hitch order.

You are correct that 5th wheel rails will install at varying distances from the rear edge of the truck bed, depending on bed size, but the installed position will always have the center of the king pin above to very slightly forward of the rear axle centerline, as Mike L. indicated.

In the 6-1/2-foot bed 3500 the rear edge of the rear base rail will be positioned 24-1/4-inches forward of the rear edge of the bed (not the tailgate). In your 8-foot long bed truck this rear edge of the rear rail will be 29-inches from the edge of the bed. Please refer to page two of the linked instructions for a drawing with both of these dimensions.

Once you have the rear rail in position you can use the hitch legs to show you where the front rail needs to be installed.

expert reply by: Adam R