Determining Hitch Height Needed To Tow Trailer Level On 2020 GMC Sierra 3500

Question

Question:

What height setting do I use to get my trailer leveled up? A 15-1/2' horse trailer pulled by a 2020 GMC Sierra 3500

asked by: Tommy R

0

Expert Reply:

The correct height setting is going to vary by trailer but you can get there taking some measurements.

First make sure your trailer is on level ground and then measure from the ground up to the bottom of the king pin. Then on your truck take a measurement from the ground to the truck bed floor where the hitch will sit. The difference in these two measurements will give you the hitch height so that the trailer is level.

Next take a couple measurements to see what kind of bed rail clearance you will have. At least 6 inches of clearance from the top of the bed rails to the trailer overhang is a good guideline (see attached image).

An adjustable height 5th wheel like the # B&W Companion # BWRVK3775 is often a good option providing flexibility with 3 different hitch height settings between 17-19". Included is a video resource with more information on the Companion and a diagram to help with your measurements.

expert reply by: Patrick R

0

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Ken J.

4/13/2020

what if I only have 12.5 from my bed to the king pin for a level RV ,

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Chris R.

4/15/2020

We do have some pretty low-profile hitches that could get you at (or close enough) to that height. The Curt A16 # C16120 for example has a minimum height setting of 13". If you can tell me what truck you have (and if it's equipped with a factory puck system) I would be happy to make a specific recommendation.

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Ken J.

4/16/2020

I have a 2020 chevy Silverado 3500 standard bed and I would like to stay with B&W

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Chris R.

4/17/2020

Thanks for the info! I definitely understand wanting to stick with B&W, but there's not a shorter option from them that would keep your setup level as-is. The slider Companion # BWRVK3400-5W adjusts from 17" to 19" tall while the fixed # BWRVK3500-5W has a minimum height setting of 16-1/4". If you go this route you may need to raise the trailer so it doesn't ride nose high when hooked up.

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Answer 1

You are on the right track with your thinking and doing exactly what I would do if I were you. You can swap out the slider base of your Companion for GM rail kit to the fixed base part #BWRVB3710 and in the rearmost head position you'd have…

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Answer 2

Yes it does! The B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitch #BWRVK3600 that fits your 2018 Ram 2500 with the factory puck system is completely compatible with a MORryde cushioned pin box. This is a fantastic set up, giving you a cushioned pin box along…

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Answer 3

For your 2021 GMC Sierra 2500 4WD I recommend the SumoSprings Rebel Custom Helper Springs - 2 Piece - Rear Axle #SSR-203-40-2. These jounce-style springs have a 3,000 lb capacity and will keep your vehicle level while you're towing. They…

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Answer 4

The answer is absolutely yes, SumoSprings will unequivocally help with the ride and handling of your 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 when you are towing your 5th wheel trailer. The correct fit for your '21 Sierra 3500 is the following: - SumoSprings Rebel…

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Answer 5

We still recommend the use of a slider in all standard/short bed trucks. That being said, the new GM trucks like your 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 do have a slightly longer bed than the typical standard bed. The best thing you can do is to measure to see if…

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Answer 6

The B&W Companion Slider #BWRVK3775 is really hard to argue with as being the best sliding 5th wheel hitch for your 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 with the puck system. Not only is it a great hitch when it comes to quality, but it also has the mounting…

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Answer 7

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. We've…

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Answer 8

It sounds like you aren't correctly testing the brake output setting on your Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller #C51180. What you need to be doing is driving 25 mph in an open parking lot and then applying your tow vehicle brakes with the brake…

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Answer 9

If you're looking for the easiest option to move around (since you plan on using your 2020 Chevy Silverado 3500 to gooseneck tow) then I recommend going with the OEM puck system and using the Companion #BWRVK3710 because it is roughly 50 lbs…

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Answer 10

Unless your 5th wheel has the concaved-in front edges to provide additional clearance to the truck cab during turns (there are some 5th wheels out there that are specifically designed like that) you wouldn't want to use a stationary hitch like…

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Answer 11

When it comes to your 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 short bed I recommend The B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch with Slider #BWRVK3775. Using the slider hitch will help you navigate around tight corners so you don't have to worry about the nose of…

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Answer 12

Great question! We always recommend going with a slider for a short bed truck just because we don't always know the style of the 5th wheel someone will be towing. Since you'll be towing a newer 5th wheel with your short bed 2022 GMC Sierra…

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Determining Hitch Height Needed To Tow Trailer Level On 2020 GMC Sierra 3500

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