Fifth Wheel Rail Kit Recommendation for 2016 GMC Sierra 2500

Question:

I am sorry to bother you AGAIN. The trailer I am going to purchase weighs 11,000 pounds so I do not need a 20,000 lb hitch, Wouldn't a 16,000 lb hitch be sufficient? It also has the cut out edges so would I need a slider? I have looked at the B & W 16K Patriot? What do you think about that option? Thanks again so very much!

asked by: Karl K

Expert Reply:

You'd want to go with a custom install fifth wheel rail kit for your 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 like the # RP50066-58 which has been confirmed as a fit. The custom kits will minimize drilling and install time when compared to universal kits so they are the way to go.

This would work well with the Andersen Ultimate Connection part # AM3200 that you mentioned too.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Karl K.

10/3/2017

After I received your information regarding the brackets & rails, I noticed there is another option that appears wider with the brackets on the outside of the frame. The wider option is part #RP56001-53. Part #RP50066-58 is the original. Could you explain the difference in those to me? I am considering the Anderson Rail Hitch but I have a 6 1/2 foot short bed 2016 GMC Sierra Crew Cab Truck. I would like to pull a 34 ft. 2017 Cedar Creek Silverback 29RE Fifth Wheel. Is a slider hitch recommended with the short bed truck. I have read that the newer fifth wheels are not requiring the slider hitch. Do you agree?

Jameson C.

10/3/2017

The difference between the Reese Installation Kit part # RP56001-53 and the Reese Installation Kit part # RP50066-58 is that the # RP56001-53 is an outboard installation kit that will install MUCH easier than the other rail kit, with the only sacrifice being larger fifth wheel rails in the bed of your truck. The inboard kit part # RP50066-58 will install on the inboard side, which will be a bit harder to do. The advantage is that the rails are smaller. Some of the newer fifth wheel hitches do have tapered noses which means a slider hitch isn't required, but not all of them have that feature. It's still a somewhat rare feature at this point. But if you check with the trailer manufacturer you'll be able to know if the trailer has it or not.

Karl K.

10/23/2017

Do the fifth wheel hitches fit all trailers? I see so many different height measurements. I am reconsidering the Anderson as I am concerned that all the trailer weight is on top of one little ball. Do you have a recommendation of your best option?

Jameson C.

10/23/2017

Standard fifth wheel hitches will basically fit all trailers. The Andersen can't fit trailers with certain cushioned pin boxes so they aren't quite as universal. The Reese 20k # RP30928 would be a great option since your truck is a short bed that would require additional clearance around tight corners. The slider allows the hitch to move back and give you better turning clearance when needed.