Weights and Measures of Demco HiJakcer 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch for a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 Short Bed  

I have been looking at the DM855022 Autoslider Hitch and DM8551002 under bed rail kit. My tow vehicle is a 2016 GMC 6 1/2 2500 HD Duramax 4WD. The fifth wheel is a 2005 Keystone Cougar 244 EFS, UVW 5740, GVWR 10,400. The pin box is a Lippert 1716.  I previously towed it with a 2005 GMC 2500 6 1/2 6 liter gas rig. It did not have enough power to go up step grades between my Central Valley location in California into the Sierra mountains to the east and the Coast Range to the West. It struggled to stay at 35 mph on the steepest grades even though this trailer was listed for Half Ton Trucks.  Also, the front of the trailer would come close to hitting the back window when backing into tight camping spots.  1. What is the weight of the Hitch Head and the Hitch Base? 2. What is the width and length of the Hitch Base? 3. The Main Question: Can you tell me if there is sufficient clearance between the back of the pin box and the tail gate as it turns? I assume that the minimum distance will occur when the truck and trailer are at a 45 degree angle. 4. How much latitude do I have to mount the center of the hitch in front of the axle to get it away from the tail gate? However, that may create another problem bringing the down tailgate to close to the front cargo door when hitching. 5. How much latitude do I have to move a fixed hitch behind the center of the axle toward the tail gate to create more room between the trailer and the back window when turning? 6. Because of the weight of the unit I am planning to build a cart that match the height of the tail gate, 39, so I can slide if off the truck and not have to lift it off. The hitch would then live on the cart. The cart will have a wide base for stability and will attach to the pull trailer receiver to keep it from moving when taking the hitch on and off. Comments from you and others are appreciated in dealing with this heavy unit.  I am aware of the special king pin that is clamped into the jaw lock and then is lifted with a hoist I failed to measure the distance from the back of the pin box and the tail gate. The king pin is centered over the rear axle. The clearance between the bed rails and the bottom of the RV is 5 to 5 1/2.

asked by: Gordo N