Recommendation for Towing 5th Wheel Trailer with 2010 Sierra 1500 that has 5-1/2 Foot Bed

Question:

Looking to buy friends 5th wheel 1988 Terry 25 but he has no reciever. I want to hook trailer up to a 2010 GMC Sierra ext cab short box. Reccomendations?

asked by: Jimmy

Expert Reply:

For your 2010 GMC Sierra 1500 that has a 5-1/2 foot bed, I recommend going with a fixed 5th-wheel hitch like the Reese # RP30047 and the Custom Base Rail Installation Kit # RP30035. This is a great 5th-wheel hitch that features a forged sing-piece jaw for a secure connection to the trailer and a towing capacity of 20,000 pounds. The custom base rails include brackets specifically designed for your truck that will simplify installation.

I have attached the installation details and a video demonstration that you can check out.

Then, since your Sierra has a 5-1/2 foot bed, you will want to replace the pin box on the trailer with a Sidewinder King Pin. This will move the pivot point 22 inches behind the king pin and allow you the clearance to make sharp turns with your short bed truck. These are designed to replace the existing pin box on your trailer, so you will need to determine the part number of the pin box on your friend's trailer. This should be displayed somewhere on the pin box itself, either on a sticker or stamped into the unit.

For example, the Reese Airborne Sidewinder # RP61422 will replace the Fabex 663 and 665, Lippert 0719 and 1621, as well as the M&M 663 and 665 pin boxes. I have attached a link that will take you to our available selection of Sidewinders along with an article on the subject that you might find helpful.

Another option, if you'd rather not replace the pin box on the trailer, is to go with the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # DM8550040 along with the Custom Base Rail Kit # DM8552009-71. This unique hitch features an automatic slider that provides 22-1/2 inches of travel, around the same as what a Sidewinder Pin Box will give you. This is the only sliding hitch that will allow you to make sharp turns with your short bed truck.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this product so you can take a closer look at its features.