Is Sidewinder Needed to Tow 5th Wheel Hitch With 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 With 5-3/4 Foot Bed

Question:

Hi, I have a 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 short bed 5-3/4. I recently bought a 2002 Keystone Cougar 286 Fifth Wheel Trailer with a Lippert 1621 pin box. I was also given a Reese 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch #RP30047. Based on this information and what I have read on your site I was wondering if Sidewinder RP34FR would be the best component for pulling this camper with this hitch and truck? Or is there a better hitch option for safely pulling this camper with this truck? This is my first time owning a fifth wheel, so any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

asked by: Tori

Expert Reply:

Those are good questions, and you will need a Sidewinder to tow a 5th wheel trailer with your 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 that has a 5-3/4 foot bed.

For your Lippert 1621 pin box, you have made a superb choice with the Sidewinder # RP34FR.

As for the hitch, your Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # RP30047 is compatible so you do not need to get a different hitch; there really isn't any reason to spend that extra money on a hitch if you already have one.

What you will need for your truck are base rails and an install kit to mount the hitch, and I recommend the Reese Quick-Install Custom Outboard Installation Kit with Base Rails # RP56015-53.

This is the best kit for your 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 because it does not require any drilling into your truck's rails to install, which is not only great for the truck, but also significantly cuts down on the installation time. Also, for a 5th wheel wiring harness, provided you have the factory 7-way you will need the 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Wiring Harness 7-Pole # A10-7007.