How to Get Turning Clearance on 2018 3500 HD Short Bed With Gooseneck Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer

Question:

My old truck was chevy 2005 2500hd crew cab short box that I bought the rails and gm mount from etrailer, I have a pro series 15k fixed hitch and never had problems pulling my jayco fifthwheel camper and would turn 90 just fine. I just bought a 2018 3500 hd crew shortbox chevy with a curt double lock ezr goose neck installed. Really dont want to yank it and deal with rails in box. so was looking at the curt 16220 x5 plate but measuring the gooseneck ball to where rails would normally sit in truck the fifthwheel will be 5inch further forward towards the cab with the x5 Doubt I will have that much room. So I was thinking sidewinder pinbox but seen they werent recommended with the x5. Is there any other option other than getting a slider that will let me use the gooseneck hitch?

asked by: Chris Q

Expert Reply:

We certainly appreciate your previous business with us and your willingness to come back with questions.

There are a few other gooseneck to 5th wheel adapters that will provide some clearance, but if you do not want to remove the Curt gooseneck hitch that is currently in your new 3500, then a sliding 5th wheel hitch is the only option that will provide the most turning clearance. You are correct regarding the use of a Sidewinder with a gooseneck adapter. The gooseneck hitch and adapter are not designed to take the side to side pressure applied by a Sidewinder when turning and could fail.

The other options that you have are offset gooseneck adapter like the Andersen Ranch Hitch Adapter, # AM3139. This gives you an 8 inch offset, but they don't move the actual pivot point rearward like a sliding hitch does, so the actual turning clearance gain is minimal (a few degrees).

If you choose to go with a slider, I strongly recommend looking at a Curt sliding hitch because they automatically lock into position once you slide them forward or backward. Traditional sliding hitches like Pro Series and Reese require you to get out of the truck 4 times just to make one turn. The Curt limits that to 2 saving you time and headaches, especially when you are driving around town during rush hour.

I would go with the Curt E16 Slider # 16516 because this hitch offers the best slide function under at a great price

I've attached links and video reviews to each of these products for you to check out and compare. I've also attached a photo of the Curt hitch in the bed of a truck to give you an idea of what it will look like installed.