How to Choose Correct 5th Wheel Hitch to Clear Bed Sides of 2020 Chevy Silverado 3500

Question

Question:

I'm looking into purchasing a 2020 Silverado 3500 long bed for fifth wheel towing. I've been reading a lot of people saying that they are struggling to have good clearance from the trailer to the sides of their bed with some of the newer trucks. Is this a common issue and how do I keep from purchasing something that won't work height-wise?

asked by: Nicholas F

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Expert Reply:

You are correct that some newer pickups have taller bed sides that make it a little more complicated to ensure that your trailer remains level while you have enough clearance between the bed rails and your 5th wheel trailer. While I can't tell you exactly what you need to ensure proper clearance all around for your 5th wheel trailer and your 2020 Chevy Silverado 3500, I do have some tips for you to follow so you can be confident with your towing rig.

What you need to do is park the truck and your trailer on even ground and make sure the trailer is level. Once that is done you need to measure from the ground to the bed of your pickup and then again from the ground to the skid plate (where the ping pin is attached) on your pin box. Subtract the truck bed height from your pin box height to determine what kind of height range need for your 5th wheel hitch, while keeping in mind that you need to have 5" - 6" of clearance between your bed rails and the overhang on your trailer. I have attached some photos to assist.

If your Silverado has the puck system then I recommend using the B&W Companion which comes in 20K # BWRVK3710 and 25K # BWRVK3715 models that have a height range of 16-3/4" - 18-3/4".

If you don't have the puck system then you can either use the Custom bed rails # BWRVK2505 with the B&W Patriot # 16K # BWRVK3200 or 18K # BWRVK3255. The Patriot has a height range of 16" - 19" but the bed rail kit adds about 1" to both of those. If you'd like something that gives you a clean bed then you need the B&W Gooseneck # BWGNRK1020-5W and Companion # BWRVK3500-5W. which has a height range of 16-1/4" - 18-1/4".

Please note that you might need to add a lift kit to your trailer if you aren't able to get your towing setup level and have enough clearance for your bed sides.

I have attached some review and installation videos that you can check out.

expert reply by: Jon G

0

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Answer 1

We tend to stick with the safe side of things and just recommend using a sliding 5th wheel hitch if you don't have an 8' bed, but we have heard and seen people 5th wheel tow just fine using a non-sliding hitch on a 6-3/4' bed.…

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Answer 2

The B&W Companion like #BWRVK3710 is a great product, but we do have some less expensive but still high quality options that would work just great for you. Curt makes some outstanding 5th wheel hitch products, such as their A Series. The A…

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Answer 3

We have a general calculation where you measure from kingpin in the pin box to the outer most point on the nose of your trailer, then measure from the center of the lock jaws on your fifth wheel hitch to the closest point of your truck cab and…

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Answer 4

The Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System with Adapter - 20,000 lbs #AM3200 is compatible with the TrailAir pin box you have when you use the Rota-Flex lockout kit. This unfortunately removes the extremely nice cushioning…

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Answer 5

You will want to consult the manual for the hitch you have to determine if there is a specific type of lubricant needed and for all of the areas that need to be lubricated. I do not recommend a spray lubricant such PB Blaster for 5th wheel hitch…

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Answer 6

The grease fitting that is on top of the head unit on your Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, #RP30084, is used to lubricate the pivot points of the jaws. Using a lithium grease, #L11354, is acceptable. You will also want to lubricate the jaw itself, and…

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Answer 7

The Curt #C16024 fifth wheel legs you mentioned fit the A series hitches from 20k and up; the A20 #C16540, A25 #C16580, and A30 #C16590. They're technically designed for the A30 because of the legs's 30,000 pound rating but they still fit the…

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Answer 8

The Curt A25 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part #C16046 and the Curt Q25 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part #C16049 are both a confirmed fit for your 2017 Ram 3500. The Curt A25 hitch is the newer version of the Curt Q25 hitch which features a stronger head unit…

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Answer 9

I recommend the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch #BWRVK3715 as the best choice for your 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD. It is designed to drop right into the factory mounting points with no adapter required. This hitch is rated for trailers up…

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Answer 10

There is no specific height that you have to have in order to use a 5th wheel hitch, they are height adjustable by several inches and so is the pin box on most trailers. What you do need though is at least 5"-6" from the bed rails to the…

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Answer 11

The Demco UMS Double Pivot 5th Wheel Hitch #DM47GV is our highest capacity 5th wheel hitch at 31,000lbs that will fit into the factory prep/puck system on your 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 dually with an 8' long bed. I recommend using a Lube…

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Answer 12

In 2020 GM changed their trucks by adding 6 inches in length to the cab and 6 inches in height. This pushed everything back on the frame so the puck system for your 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD is going to be different than the 2022 GMC Sierra…

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How to Choose Correct 5th Wheel Hitch to Clear Bed Sides of 2020 Chevy Silverado 3500

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