Is Sliding Hitch Needed for 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 Short Bed Towing Grand Design Reflection 5th Wheel

Question:

Have a 2018 GMC double cab, short bed, plan to tow a Grand Design Reflection 27rl fifth wheel camper, have my take out 16k Reese fixed used fifth wheel. What kit do I need to re install into the GMC ? Do I really need a sliding kit, have trailered before and never needed a slider assistance and do not turn more than 70 degrees with any tandem trailer. Or do I need a slider with this newer trailer?

asked by: Peter K

Expert Reply:

There are definitely many cases when a sliding fifth wheel hitch isn't needed with short bed trucks like your 2018 GMC Sierra 1500. It's difficult to state outright though if one wouldn't be needed for your particular application, as it really depends on the particular trailer you are towing and the truck you are towing with. Because there are so many different combinations and trailer designs, the best you can do is take a few measurements to determine your cab clearance to see if a sliding hitch will be a good idea.

With that in mind, I did take a look at some pictures online for your Grand Design Reflection 27rl Trailer, and saw that it does feature a tapered nose, which may further reduce the need for a sliding hitch. This, along with the fact that you don't plan on making very sharp turns, leads me to believe the a slider may not be necessary.

Your best option might be to simply hook your trailer up with your existing fixed Reese hitch on the truck, and then head out to a nearby empty parking lot to see how it handles. Practice making some relatively sharp turns to make sure you will have the necessary cab clearance out on the road.

Otherwise, you can take a measurement from the center of the rear axle to the rear of the cab. Then measure the width of your Grand Design fifth wheel at the front. Divide the width of the front of the trailer by half, then subtract that number from the rear axle/cab measurement you took. If the result is a positive number greater than 4, you will be able to safely navigate a 90 degree turn.

Whether you decide to stay with your fixed hitch or change to a slider, I recommend the Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit # RP50064-58 for your Sierra 1500. This base rail kit includes custom brackets that will eliminate the need for drilling into your truck's frame and the industry-standard rails will be compatible with your existing Reese hitch. All the needed hardware is included.

Finally, if you do find that you need a sliding hitch, and you have the Reese Fixed 5th Wheel Trailer HItch # RP30047, you actually can just swap out the base with the Square Tube Slider # RP30048 instead of obtaining an entirely new hitch. This will provide you with 10 inches of front to back travel for making sharp turns.