Does 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 Short Bed Need Slider Hitch to Tow 2016 Solitude 321RL

Question:

Thanks very much for being so helpful and answering my question. Attached please addition information including a photo of the front of my 2016 Solitude 321RL. Just to double check I also did some measurements. 1. Center of the Kingpin to the front of the 5th is 18" (i.e. measured with string draped down from the front, measured back to the kingpin). 2. Width of the 5th is 101" (i.e. from the center of the kingpin to the front side corner is 50.5"). 3. The front of the 5th is curved. The corner is recessed 15 inches back from the front (i.e. if line a line is drawn parallel with the front and then you measure from that line back to the corner). Just confirming that with this diagram and the measurements your opinion is still the same that I don't need the slider? Also, would you happen to know the weight difference between the 20,000 and 25,000 BW non-slider hitches? Thank you very much for your time and expertise.

asked by: Joe

Helpful Expert Reply:

I checked out your 2016 Solitude 321RL and since it has a tapered nose and an extended pin box you wouldn't need a slider hitch installed in the bed of your 2020 GMC Sierra 3500. You could use the B and W Companion Fixed Hitch for GM rail kit part # BWRVK3715 and you'd have the best fifth wheel hitch available for your truck as it's very easy to use, reliable, and also made in the USA.

expert reply by: Jameson C

click to enlarge

James R.

1/12/2021

I have a 2021 GMC 3500 HD AT4 with the 6'10" standard box. I just purchased a 2020 Jayco Talon 403T with a more ride pin. I have spoken to many hitch shops as well as the RV dealer and I'm receiving mixed information. One hitch shop even told me I can't put a slider in because the pin box will hit my tail gate. Could you please advise if I need a slider or not?

Jon G.

1/15/2021

This is the clearance formula we use to determine if you can make a 90 degree turn or not. Let me know what your measurements are (the ones you can provide) and I can help you see if you need a sliding 5th wheel hitch or not. With a 6' 10" bed you shouldn't have to worry about your pin box hitting your tailgate though. Clearance Formula - (A + B) - C = Clearance A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab B = Length of offset (slider clearance or Sidewinder offset) C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half) You need at least 4" of clearance to be able to make a 90 degree turn.

Jerry P.

3/26/2021

Of you have the new gmc tailgate you can lower the top piece and the king pin won't hit the tail gate as you have plenty of clearance. I learned the hard way and all I would have had to do is lower the top of my fancy new tail gate to clear. Ughh

Joe

2/28/2020

Jameson C.

2/28/2020

Thanks for the pictures and dimensions! From that I can definitely tell you that you don't need a slider hitch to have turning clearance. Especially since the short bed versions of the 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 is a little longer than most at 6-3/4 feet instead of 6.5 or 6 feet. I looked up the GVWR of your 2016 Solitude 321RL and it at most would weigh 15,000 lbs so the 20k version of the Companion # BWRVK3710 would be more that adequate. Functionally it's no different from the 25k version just costs less since it has a lower weight capacity.