Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch for 2004 Chevy Silverado 3500

Question:

I have a 2004 Chevy Silverado 3500 not sure what the best hitch to go with would be and do I need a slider hitch

asked by: Eddie W

Expert Reply:

When choosing a fifth wheel hitch for your 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 3500, you will first want to consider the weight of the trailer that you will be pulling. You will need to make sure you choose a hitch with the required weight capacity.

Since your Silverado has an 8 foot bed, you will not need a sliding hitch. Sliding fifth wheel hitches are needed on shorter beds in order to provide more cab clearance when making sharp turns.

I recommend looking at the Curt Q20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # C16130 along with the Custom Base Rails # C16418-204. This hitch features a nice 2-Jaw locking system that will provide 360-degree contact with the trailer king pin. This will result in a smoother ride with less rattle when compared to standard slide-bar designs. The hitch has a gross towing weight capacity of 20,000 pounds.

Another option to consider is a below-bed system like the Demco Hijacker UMS # DM8550032 and the Underbed Rail and Installation Kit # DM8551004. Because this hitch uses an underbed rail system, the hitch can be removed when not in use to allow for full truck bed access. This has a wraparound, single-piece jaw and a gross towing weight capacity of 21,000 pounds.

I have included video demonstrations on both of these hitches along with a link that will take you to our available selection confirmed to fit your Silverado for you to look through.

Regardless of the fifth wheel hitch you decide on, I recommend adding a 5th Wheel Wiring Harness like the Curt # C56000. This will provide a 7-Way connector in the bed of your truck for easy hookup with your trailer.