Recommendation for a 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch on a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500 Crew Cab

Question:

I have a 2009 1500 sierra crew cab, what would be the suggested 5th wheel hitch for this truck?

asked by: Doug A

Expert Reply:

There are numerous 5th wheel trailer hitch options available for a 2009 GMC Sierra 1500. The right one for your truck and trailer depends on a couple of factors. First, there are 3 different bed length options, 5-1/2 feet, 6-1/2 feet long, and 8 feet long. Since you have a crew cab, I am inclined to believe you have either the 5-1/2 foot bed or the 6-1/2 foot bed.

If you have a 5-1/2 foot bed, in order to tow a 5th wheel trailer, you will need a standard 5th wheel hitch and a Sidewinder King Pin. The Sidewinder attaches to the trailer pin box and offers 22 inches additional clearance than if the trailer was attached to the hitch without the Sidewinder.

There are different Sidewinder options and they are specific to pin box make and model number. You will need to look for the pin box manufacturer and model number to see if there is a Sidewinder that will fit. I have included a link to the Sidewinder main page.

If you find a Sidewinder will fit, then there are some important measurements you will need to take in order to determine if adding the Sidewinder will allow for enough clearance to safely make 90 degree turns. To start, the center of the hitch pin jaws will be centered over the rear axle. Measure from that point to the cab of the truck (measurement A). Add 22 inches for the length of a Sidewinder arm to measurement A.

Next measure the width of the 5th wheel trailer overhang and divide by 2 (measurement B). Take measurement A (plus the 22 inches) and subtract from it measurement B to get the amount of clearance you will have. You will need at least 4 inches of clearance to safely make 90 degree turns.

If you do the math and find that a Sidewinder will work, I recommend going with the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, # RP30047. For an installation kit, you can use either the universal installation kit # RP30035, or the custom installation kit, # RP50064-58. The difference between the 2 kits is the custom kit takes about half the time to install because it requires less drilling. I have included a link to the installation details for both install kits for you to view as well as a link to our FAQ article on Sidewinders.

5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, # RP30047, has a 16k capacity hitch rated for 4,000 pounds pin weight. If you have a heavier trailer, I suggest # PS30121, which is rated for 20k and 5,000 pounds pin weight.

If your truck has a 6-1/2 foot bed, there are some differences. You will not need a Sidewinder, but you will need to have a slider hitch. The same installation kits will work on a 6-1/2 foot bed. Round tube sliders offer the most travel (clearance) at 12 inches, so I recommend the Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Round Tube Slider, # RP30075. For a heavier trailer, you can use # RP30083.