Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 6-1/2 Bed

Question:

Good Evening I am wondering what is the concern with product Convert-A-Ball Cushioned 5th-Wheel-to-Gooseneck Adapter w/ Offset - 12 inch to 16 inch Tall Item # CAB-C5GX1216 to a factory installed gooseneck ball on a 2018 gmc 2500 hd crew cab truck with the 5 pucks. I have a 6 1/2 foot box and the gooseneck ball from factory. I like the goose box product but am concern with cab clearance. The offset product above gives us an extra 7.5 which is appealing, but Is there some options you can recommend?

asked by: Henry

Expert Reply:

For short bed pickups like your 2018 GMC Sierra 2500 the 7-1/2" offset of the Convert-A-Ball Adapter # CAB-C5GX1216 often isn't enough. You can actually calculate your clearance by using the following formula:

(A + B) - C = Clearance

A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab (or gooseneck ball)
B = Length of offset (slider clearance or offset)
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)

You need at least 4" of clearance to be able to make a 90 degree turn. If you won't have enough clearance with the 7-1/2" offset then I recommend going with a sliding 5th wheel hitch as they offer more clearance. If you have a factory hitch ball that has a plastic latch on the top then you need to swap it out for a metal latch like what comes on the Curt # C60601. If the latch isn't on the top then it will be compatible.

One of the best 5th wheel hitch options that we have to offer is the B&W Companion # BWRVK3770. This is rated for 20K and installs in the puck system on your Sierra. This is a manual slider but is still considered by many to be the best out there and offers 12" of front-to-back travel.

If you would rather go with an autosliding 5th wheel hitch to help make sharp turns easier and quicker we have the Demco Hijacker. This is available in an 18K version # DM8550034 as well as a 21K version # DM8550035. Either one will fit the puck system on your Sierra with the adapter # DM6194 and they offer 14" of front-to-back travel.

I have attached some review videos for you to check out as well.