5th Wheel Hitch Installation Location in 2010 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4X4 Longbed Crew Cab

Question:

I have a 2010 Chevy crew cab long bed 4x4 3500 with 6.0 gas engine I want to mount my hitch as far back as i can. So how close to the tailgate can I mount it safely? Its a heavy truck so I figured Id be able to mount it farther back.

asked by: Rick L

Expert Reply:

5th wheel hitch installation usually places the center of the hitch (where the trailer's king pin weight will be placed) right over the rear axle center or slightly forward of it. Hitch installation instructions for the hitch you install will specify the exact placement of the base rails relative to the rear edge of the bed (the bed itself, not the tailgate). If the pin weight fell further back than the axle center the truck could lose front-axle traction which would affect both steering and braking performance.

The installation kit portion of the Pro Series # PS30128 is the same as their universal install kit # RP30035. This kit installed in your particular truck will have the rear edge of the rear base rail 30-inches from the rear edge of the bed (not the tailgate). This is shown on page 5 of the linked instructions.

expert reply by: Adam R