Recommended 5th Wheel Slider Hitch for 2016 Chevy 3500 with 6.5 Foot Bed

Question:

I just bought a 2016 Chev 3500 HD 4x4 with a 6.5 foot bed, will I need a slider hitch to tow my 5th wheel or can I use my solid mount hitch??

asked by: Richard P

Expert Reply:

For your 2016 Chevy 3500 HD with 6.5 foot bed, you will want a sliding hitch to provide proper turning clearance and avoid trailer contract with your truck cab. The only exception in using a solid mount hitch is if you have a Sidewinder or Revolution Pin Box that has the rotating turret to provide that additional clearance. This option is pin box specific and will move the pivot back 22 inches to give you the needed turning clearance.

If you choose to go the Sliding 5th wheel hitch route, then I recommend the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R20 Slider # C16541. This hitch has the interlocking dual jaws to provide great contact with the king pin of your trailer. This greatly reduces jarring and chucking. It also has round tubes on the sliding base to provide less binding than square tubes for a smoother travel between the two locking positions for increased turning clearance.

If is possible that there is a slider base available for your current hitch, so if you want to look at that option, let me know what your current hitch is. I also recommend the Bargman wiring harness # 50-97-410 to give you a second working 7-way trailer connection in the bed of your truck for easier access and connection.

expert reply by: Jason S