Selecting 5th Wheel Hitch for Silverado 2500HD Towing 30-ft Cougar Lite 5th Wheel

Question:

We have been towing our 30 ft. Cougar Lite fifth wheel with a Dodge 2500 8 foot bed. But the Dodge is 15 years old and time to purchase a new truck. We purchased a Silverado 2500HD with a standard bed 6 1/2 ft. What are your recommendations for towing our fifth wheel with our new truck?

asked by: Linda B

Expert Reply:

5th wheel trailers are usually towed best by a long bed 1-ton pickup. Long beds (8-footers) avoid the need for slider hitches that tend to weigh more than the fixed type. In your 6-1/2-foot bed Silverado 2500HD you will need a slider hitch unless your trailer is equipped with a pivoting pin box called a Sidewinder or Revolution. These provide additional turning clearance, like a slider hitch does, but they provide a whole lot more than most sliders, a full 22-inches. An article on Sidewinders and one on trucks for 5th wheel towing are linked for your reference.

Please tell me the model year of the Silverado 2500HD and the year and model of your trailer and I will be happy to recommend an installation kit and slider hitch suitable for your trailer's weight. If the trailer has a Sidewinder please advise since that determines the hitch type you need.

expert reply by: Adam R