Can a 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch be Used on a 2006 Chevy Silverado with a 5-1/2 Foot Bed  

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Expert Reply:

In order to tow a 5th wheel trailer with a truck hat has a bed shorter than 6 feet long, you must use a Sidewinder and a stationary trailer hitch. The Sidewinder provides 22 inches of extension. It cannot be used with a slider hitch unless the slider remained locked in the tow position at all times.

In order to determine if you can use a Sidewinder first you will need the make and model number of the pin box on the trailer. You can then compare that to our Sidewinder main page to see if one is available. If there is, the next thing you will want to do is measure to make sure that a Sidewinder will offer enough clearance.

First locate the centerline of the rear axle. Measure forward 1-1/2 inches. From that point, measure forward to the back of the truck cab. Then add 22 inches (the length of the Sidewinder). Call this measurement A.

Next, measure the width of the trailer overhand and divide by 2 to get half. Call this measurement B. Subtract B from A to get clearance (A - B = C). If C is 4 or more inches you will safely be able to make 90 degree turns.

I did some calculations and if you are using installation kit # RP50064-58, there will be 27 inches to the back of the truck cab from 1-1/2 inches in front of the rear axle center line. Add 22 to get 49. This would mean that the trailer width cannot exceed 90 inches for you to safely make 90 degree turns and still have a few inches for dips or bumps. So it is possible. make sure to measure on your truck to verify.

I have included a link to the installation instructions for the installation kit. For a 16K stationary hitch, we have the Reese, # RP30047, which features a double pivot head and dual jaw.

expert reply by: Michael H

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