5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Installation Kit Recommendation for a 2007 Chevy Silverado New Body

Question:

I am looking for a 5th wheel hitch for my 2007 Chevy, new style, 1500 crew cab, 4x4, with a 5 1/2 ft. box. My trailer has an offset pin box. When I input my truck information, this hitch comes up as a compatible product. However it states in the description that this hitch should not be used with a bed shorter than 6 ft. I am also not sure how necessary it is to be able to achieve a 80-90 degree angle between the truck and trailer. I would think 50-60 degrees of available turning angle would be plenty in nearly all situations. Thanks for your input.

asked by: Dan R

Expert Reply:

First, making 90 degree turns will be necessary at some point. Maybe not in all situations but there will be a time that it will be needed. In order to safely make 90 degree turns in trucks with a bed shorter than 6 feet long, you would need to use a Sidewinder pin box on the trailer.

The Sidewinder is used with a stationary trailer hitch and offers 22 inches more extension which is 10 inches more than a round tube slider hitch. This will eliminate or minimize the possibility f the trailer making contact with the truck and damaging the vehicle and trailer.

Sidewinders are made for a variety of pin boxes. You will need to find the manufacturer and model number of the pin box in order to determine if there is a Sidewinder that will fit. I have included a link to our Sidewinder main page and a link to our FAQ article on Sidewinders for you to view.

In order to determine if the Sidewinder will offer enough clearance to safely make 90 degree turns, there is a formula you can follow after taking some measurements. First find a point that is 1-1/2 inches forward of the rear axle in the bed of the truck. Measure from that point to the cab of the truck and add 22 inches. This is measurement A.

Next, measure the width of the trailer and divide by 2 to get half. This is measurement B. Subtract measurement B from measurement A to get the amount of clearance you will have. You need at least 4 inches of clearance to safely make 90 degree turns.

If you take these measurements and determine that you will be able to safely make 90 degree turns, and there is a Sidewinder that will fit your trailer pin box, I recommend going with the Reese 5th Wheel Hitch, # RP30047. For an installation kit, the custom kits are the easiest to install and require less drilling. For your truck, you would need Reese Quick-Install Custom Base Rails and Installation Kit, # RP50064-58. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you to view.