Can I Haul Fifth-Wheel or Gooseneck Trailer With 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 5.5 Ft. Short Bed 2WD Crew Cab

Question:

Hi, Im trying to determine if I can haul either a 5th wheel or Gooseneck trailer with my truck. I have a 2010 GMC Sierra 1500, crew cab, 2WD with the 5.5 bed. It has the 4.8L V8 with auto trans. Im confused because I see a universal fifth wheel kit on your site, but I cant find a gooseneck kit for my truck. I would like to tow a 16 gooseneck livestock trailer I have towed a 16 bumper pull livestock trailer with no problems. Do you have one available or is this not a recommended configuration? Thank you

asked by: Spencer

Expert Reply:

For a fifth wheel hitch, we do have applications for the 5.5 ft. bed of the 2010 GMC Sierra 1500, but use of a Sidewinder King Pin is required for clearance. A Sidewinder King Pin will move the pivot point of the trailer back 22 Inches which will give you additional clearance needed to make turns (see Sidewinder FAQ). Before buying a fifth wheel trailer, I would recommend using our Pin Box Conversion chart that shows all the fifth-wheel pin boxes that are compatible with Sidewinder King Pins (see Sidewinder FAQ).

For a fifth wheel hitch, I would recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch 20K, part # RP30928. You will also need to use the Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit, part # RP30035, as there is not a custom install kit available for the 5.5 ft. bed model. The Reese Wedge Kit # RP44FR will also be needed to prevent the king pin from pivoting in the jaws of your hitch.

For a gooseneck hitch, you will need to take some measurements to ensure that you will have clearance when hauling a gooseneck trailer. With the tailgate off of your truck, measure from the bottom rear edge of the truck bed forward 39-1/8 Inches. In the center of the truck bed 39-1/8 Inches from the rear, this will be the approximate location of where the gooseneck ball would be. From there, you can measure the distance to the front of the cab, this is how much clearance you have from the hitch ball to the cab. You can take that clearance measurement and measure the trailer, from the ball coupler to the front of the trailer. If the measurement on the trailer is less than the clearance measurement you took on the truck, you should have clearance to pull a gooseneck trailer if you use a V style nosed gooseneck trailer. A gooseneck trailer with a V nose will give you the needed clearance when making turns. If you are going to be buying a gooseneck trailer I would recommend going with a gooseneck trailer that has a V style nose.

If you find that you will have clearance for a gooseneck, you would need to use the Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit, part # RP30035, and Curt 25K Gooseneck Plate, part # 16055. We do not have a specific application for a gooseneck hitch because of clearance issues of a gooseneck hitch above and below the short bed, but using these 2 parts, as long as you have clearance will work for you application.

I have linked instructions and a video review for the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch 20K, part # RP30928, that you may find as a good reference. Instructions for the Reese Universal Base Rail and Installation Kit, part # RP30035, are also linked. In addition, I have linked the Sidewinder FAQ and and FAQ on Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitches that you may find as a good reference.