5th Wheel Hitch for 2002 Silverado 2500 HD with 6-1/2-foot Bed
Question:
we have a 2014 39 foot Jayco fifth wheel to pull and are looking at a 2002 chevy Silverado HD LT series extended cab 4x4 with a 6 1/2 foot bed. What hitch do we need to get in order to drive safely to the campground and home.
asked by: Barbara O
Expert Reply:
The best type of truck to pull a larger 5th wheel trailer such as a 39-foot Jayco is a 1-ton long-bed. Long beds avoid the issue of too little turning clearance and 1-tons will have the power needed to pull a heavy trailer without strain. They also avoid the need for slider hitches which usually require you to get out of the truck to release the slide before making a tight turn in a campground. Trucks with a 6-1/2-foot bed will require you to use a sliding type hitch unless the trailer happens to have a tapered nose/overhang.
A 39-footer like the 2014 Jayco Eagle Premier M-351 MKTS has a base weight of 11575-lbs and a GVWR of 15K. Actual gross weight can be higher or lower depending on options. You will want a hitch rated for at least 16K but a higher-rated one will be better to give you more safety margin. Just like with jacks and winches, 5th wheel hitches that are used well below their maximum capacity will tend to work better and last longer.
If you have a Silverado 2500 HD with 6-1/2-foot bed then I recommend the custom install kit # C16418-204. This kit will reduce the amount of frame drilling you have to do. It will accept any brand of hitch, including the Curt 16K Slider # C16521 or their 20K slider # C16541. For an in-bed wiring harness you can use Curt # C56000 which plugs right in to the back of your bumper-mounted factory 7-way.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17-1/2 - 21-1/2 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R20 Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Cushioned Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17-1/2 - 21-1/2 Inch Tall
- 12 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- CURT
more information >
Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 10' Long
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 10 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Chevy/GMC - Carbide Finish
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Above the Bed
- CURT
more information >
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