5th Wheel Hitch with Locking King Pin Bar Needed for a 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 6-1/2' Bed

Question:

Hi, I am looking for a 5th wheel hitch 18,000# or higher for my 2018 3500HD Duramax Denali short bed w/o factory rails. I want one that will hold up to the weather being that it will remain in my truck most of the year. My older hitches have always had the slide bar mechanism which has always made be feel confident that the trailer was secure in the hitch and no chance for a mechanical failure while towing. Im just concerned about the newer rail type sliders and how well they will hold up under pressure over the years and how secure and tested are the double jaw mechanisms. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks,

asked by: Bill N

Expert Reply:

Just like anything else, it really depends on what 5th wheel hitch you are looking at as to the quality of the dual jaws. We actually have a solution for your 2018 GMC Sierra 3500 with a 6-1/2' bed that I believe fits your needs perfectly.

Demco has their autosliding Hijacker part # DM8550034 for 18K or part # DM8550035 for 21K. These mount in industry standard base rails like what comes with the custom installation kit # DM8552011-71 and they feature a steel construction with a rust-resistant black powder coat finish that is very common on 5th wheel trailers.

The Hijacker not only has an autosliding function (so that you can stay in your cab when making tight turns) but it also features a single, wrap-around jaw for 360 degree contact as well as a 3/4" steel locking bar like what you mentioned. That, coupled with the 3 different height settings, double-pivot hitch head, and cushioning polyurethane dampeners give you a great product that provides a comfortable ride. To top it all off it is manufactured right here in the USA and comes with a 5-year limited warranty! The base rails have the same black powder coat and 5-year limited warranty.

If you don't already have a 7-Way mounted in the bed of your Sierra then I also recommend the Bargman # 50-97-410 which will help make connecting and disconnecting from your 5th wheel much easier.

Since you will be keeping your 5th wheel hitch in the bed of your pickup I recommend using a lock like part # TR63254 and a hitch head cover like part # DM14844 or a tonneau cover to add some security and protection. Let me know if you would like a tonneau cover instead and I can make a recommendation.

Attached is an installation video for the base rails as well as a review video for the Hijacker for you to check out.