Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch for 2012 GMC Sierra 2500 Short Bed

Question:

Hello, we own a 2012 GMC 2500 Sierra crew cab gas 6.0 with a 6.5-foot bed. We are looking to buy a fifth wheel camper that is 29 feet long. The gross weight is 9200 with cargo weight somewhere around 2180. We are wondering what type of hitch we should be buying? Also, we are having a hard time figuring out how much weight our truck can tow? Thanks

asked by: Allyson A

Expert Reply:

For a fifth-wheel hitch that will do a great job of pulling your trailer, I recommend looking at the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # C16541. This is a really nice hitch that features an interlocking 2-jaw system that will provide an excellent connection with the trailer, resulting in less rattle and more security. Its fully articulating head will allow for easy hookup and a quiet ride. It has a 20,000 pound towing capacity and the non-binding slider will provide 12 inches of front to back travel for the necessary cab clearance during sharp turns with your short bed Sierra.

Then, for the rail kit, I recommend the Curt Custom Installation Kit # C16411-204. This kit includes custom frame brackets that will use existing holes in your Sierra's frame to eliminate the need for any frame drilling. This will also drastically reduce installation time when compared to universal kits.

I have attached a short video demonstration on this hitch, along with the written installation instructions that you can take a look at.

I also recommend adding a 5th Wheel Wiring Harness like the Curt # C56000. Once installed, this will provide a 7-Way connector in the bed of your truck for easier hookup with a fifth-wheel trailer.

When determining your truck's towing capacity, it is always best to check your copy of the owner's manual. This will have the most accurate information regarding your specific model Sierra. I did take a look at the online owner's manual for your 2012 Sierra 2500 and found that it has a fifth-wheel towing capacity of around 14,000 pounds. The exact number will depend on whether you have a 2WD or 4WD model, so you will still want to check your truck's manual for a precise capacity.