How to Determining 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch Height for 2004 Chevy Silverado and 2017 Dutchmen Trailer

Question:

Can you tell me what height fifth wheel hitch I would need for a 2004 Chevy 2500 hd shortbox? The trailer is a 2017 Dutchmen Denali 262RLX. Length 31.42 ft. 377 in. Width 8 ft. 96 in. Height 12 ft. 144 in. Truck Bed Length mm5 Dry Weight 8,148 lbs. Payload Capacity 2,412 lbs. Hitch Weight 1,673 lbs I would also welcome suggestions as to which units you would recommend.

asked by: Jacob S

Expert Reply:

When determining the correct height for your fifth wheel hitch, you will just need to take a couple measurements on both the trailer and your Chevy Silverado 2500.

Starting with the Dutchmen Denali Trailer parked and jacked up so that it is level, you will want to measure from the underside of the pin box to the ground. Then, with your truck also parked on level ground, measure from the ground to the truck bed floor. You will simply subtract the truck measurement from the trailer measurement to get the height you will need the hitch to be above the truck bed floor. Keep in mind that most fifth wheel hitches do feature an adjustable height setting.

I recommend taking a look at the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R20 Slider # C16541, along with the Custom Installation Kit and Base Rails # C16418-204. This is a really nice, heavy-duty hitch that features a dual jaw system to provide 360-degree jaw-to-king-pin contact for less rattle and movement at the connection. The self-aligning head pivots for simple hookup and the non-binding slider will provide 12 inches of front to back travel for the needed cab clearance when making sharp turns with your short bed truck. It has a towing weight capacity of 20,000 pounds and an adjustable hitch height of 17-1/2 inches to 21-1/2 inches.

expert reply by: Chris R