Can a 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch be Installed in a 2007 Chevy Silverado Classic with 5-1/2 Foot Bed  

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Expert Reply:

Installing a 5th wheel trailer hitch and installation kit requires very precise measurements to install correctly. But there is actually a larger concern that needs to be addressed. With a bed less than 6 feet long, a slider may not offer enough clearance between the truck cab and trailer when executing turns. The result could be a collision between the two.

I recommend doing some measuring before installing anything. Measure from the center point of the rear axle to the back of the truck cab in a straight line. Record the distance. Next, add to that the distance the 5th wheel hitch will slide. On most Valley sliders, it is up to 10 inches. Record the number.

Next, measure the width of the front of your 5th wheel trailer and divide by 2 to get half. Subtract this number from the first 2 you added together to get the clearance. If clearance is less than 4 inches, you will not be able to make 90 degree turns safely without hitting the truck cab.

There is another solution. You can use a stationary trailer hitch, like # RP30047, and installation kit # RP50064-58 (installation details linked below). You would then need to add a Sidewinder Fifth Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret that will offer an extension of 22 inches rather then just 10 of the slider hitch. Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will need to know the manufacturer and model number of the pin box on the trailer to find the correct fit. You can then use the link below to find the sidewinder that matches the pin box.

expert reply by: Michael H

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