Will Curt A16 5th Wheel Hitch Sit Below Truck Rails on 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD
Question:
Once installed in the bed of our 2012 GMC 2500hd, will this hitch assembly be below the level of the truck rails? When not towing, we want to use our tonneau cover. Thanks for your help.
asked by: Deb
Expert Reply:
The Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # C16621 you referenced in your question will work with your 2012 GMC Sierra. The height of this 5th Wheel Hitch can range between 17-1/2 inches to 21-1/2 inches. I did some research and found that the depth of the truck bed on your 2012 GMC Sierra is 21 inches. To be sure the hitch will fit under your Tonneau Cover when it is closed, you can measure from your truck bed floor to the underside of the Tonneau Cover. As long as this provides at least 22 inches of clearance, even if the hitch is at the tallest height setting it will fit under the cover.
Keep in mind that the Curt A16 # C16621 is a universal installation kit which will require more time and effort to install than a custom fit 5th Wheel Trailer Kit for your vehicle.
For the 2012 GMC Sierra 2500, I recommend going with the Curt 16K # C16521 (which is the same Curt A16 as above), along with the corresponding custom rail kit # C16411-204. I recommend using a custom rail kit over a universal one to avoid drilling additional holes in your truck's frame. With the custom rail kit the height range dimensions will still be the same (17-1/2" to 21-1/2").
There is also an economy hitch option available that sits a bit lower if you are truly concerned with using the Tonneau Cover. The Curt # 16516 along with the rail kit # C16411-204 has the same towing capacity but a slide-bar locking jaw which may cause a looser connection and more rattling when towing. However the height range on this hitch is significantly lower at 15-17 inches.
Lastly, I recommend a 5th Wheel Trailer Wiring Harness such as the Curt # C56000. This will provide a 7-way connector in the bed of your truck for simple hookup with your trailer.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Roller - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Economy - Slide-Bar Jaw
- 15 - 17 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Chevy/GMC - Carbide Finish
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- CURT
more information >
Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17-1/2 - 21-1/2 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 10' Long
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 10 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- CURT
more information >
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