Can Base of Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch be Swapped Out for Long Bed of 2020 GMC Sierra 3500

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Question:

I planned to buy new 2020 GMC 3500 long bed but cant find one the color I want. If I would get the standard box 6.5 ft bed, buy a non sliding 5th wheel hitch, is there a kit to upgrade the non sliding hitch to a sliding hitch without buying a entire new one?

asked by: Bill G

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

In general you can definitely swap out the base of a 5th wheel hitch so that you can change it from a stationary option to a sliding hitch. There are a handful of options for your 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 that hinge on whether you have the OEM prep package or not. I personally really like the B&W Companion 5th wheel hitches because they feature 1" dual jaws and a cam-action latching handle which combined ensures that your king pin sits solid in the hitch head but also allows you to easily release your king pin when parked on uneven terrain (which can be really difficult without the cam-action handle).

For a slider that fits with the OEM pucks you need part # BWRVK3775 but if you want to switch to a stationary hitch when you get a long bed you can just swap the base out with part # BWRVB3710 for a 20K hitch or part # BWRVB3715 for a 25K hitch.

If you don't have the OEM pucks then you need the Companion # BWRVK3400-5W which installs in the gooseneck hitch # BWGNRK1020-5W. When you get a long bed you can upgrade to the stationary base with part # BWRVK3500-5W.

Even though there are stationary base options it is worth noting a few things. The first is that if you have a 5th wheel trailer with a tapered front end then you may be able to just use a stationary hitch for your short bed. We always recommend going with a sliding hitch just to be on the safe end but there are many people out there that don't use a slider hitch. The second thing to note is that you don't necessarily have to change out the base when you get a long bed. If you don't activate the sliding action then any of the manually sliding 5th wheel hitches will act as a stationary hitch.

I have attached some videos and instructions for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G

1

Answer 1

The difference between the two is the weight capacity. The part #BWRVB3710 is rated 20,000 lbs and the part #BWRVB3715 is rated for 25k capacity.

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Answer 2

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion…

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Answer 3

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from…

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Answer 4

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two…

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Answer 5

Great question, Jeff! When the Rota-Flex first came out it renovated what a pin box could do and be, but at this point in time that technology is a little more dated and the Gen-Y Hitch Shock Absorbing 5th Wheel Pin Box #325-GH-8040 is the…

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Answer 6

The Ram OEM 5th wheel puck system, shown in the linked photo and article, was launched in 2013 so what you have in your truck is likely to be an aftermarket installation of some kind. These newer Ram trucks with the factory prep can directly accept…

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Answer 7

If you take a look at the linked diagram you can see the minimum recommended clearance distances between truck and trailer for 5th wheel towing. It is recommended to have at least 5-inches from the top of the bed rails to the bottom of the trailer…

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Answer 8

Yes, the puck system used on the 2016-2019 Chevy/GMC trucks is different than the pucks used on the 2020 and newer trucks. So you would need a 5th wheel like the B&W Companion #BWRVK3710 for your 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 with an 8' Bed.…

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Answer 9

Increasing the tire and wheel size can increase the height of the trailer but it's usually quite minimal. Before you do anything else you should see if the pin box can be adjusted. Although you have to be careful here since This will lower…

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Answer 10

So for your set up, a 2021 Ram 2500 short bed with the RamBoxes, you will need to use a Sidewinder in order to have the clearance to tow a 5th wheel. The Goose Box doesn't move the pivot point and an offset ball just won't be enough…

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Answer 11

Your 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 will come with a 2-1/2" trailer hitch receiver. If your truck did not come with a reducer for a 2" receiver we do have the B&W #BWRHXA2182 if you need to use your 2" ball mount or…

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Can Base of Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch be Swapped Out for Long Bed of 2020 GMC Sierra 3500

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