Can 2012 Chevy Silverado Rated for 17,000 lbs Tow 5th Wheel Trailer That is 16,000 lbs

Question:

I have a Chevy 2500 rated at 17k. I have a fifth wheel gross weight 16k. I know its close to my limit. Thoughts?

asked by: Geno Y

Expert Reply:

It's great that you are being cautious but so long as the tow rating of your 2012 Chevy Silverado 2500 and weight capacity of your fifth wheel hitch are both higher than the GVWR of your fifth wheel trailer than you are safe to tow.

In regards to the fifth wheel hitch, I highly recommend a 20,000 lb capacity hitch to ensure a high enough capacity; that may seem like overkill but hitches generally start at a 16,000 lb capacity with the next highest rating being 20,000 lbs.

For your '12 Silverado a great option for a hitch is the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with R20 Slider # C16541 if you have a short bed, or Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # C16140 if you have a long bed. These hitches are a great value that have an interlocking jaw that wraps completely around your king pin which minimizes the noise and rattling that can occur with a hitch that has a lesser jaw system.

These hitches will fit in standard base rails, and I recommend the Reese Base Rails and Installation Kit # RP30035 for your '12 Silverado. If you don't have one, the last thing you'll need is a 5th wheel wiring harness, the 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness with 7-Pole Plug # 50-97-410.

I have added links to video reviews and installs of these parts for you to check out as well.