Can a Slider 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch be Used in a 2010 Chevy Silverado with 5-1/2 Foot Bed
Question:
is ther a slider hitch available for a 2010 chevy silverado crew cab with a 5 1/2 foot bed. trailer has pin box that extends forward, and rv has what is called max turn corners, angled sorry I dont noww the exact wording
asked by: Charlie B
Expert Reply:
For a 2010 Chevy Silverado with a 5-1/2 foot bed you will need to use a Sidewinder more than likely. A slider hitch will not offer enough travel for you to safely make 90 degree turns and you would also have to remove the rear tail gate for a slider in a bed this short.
Find the center of the rear axle on the truck and measure forward to the back of the truck cab. Subtract 1-1/2 inches. Call this measurement A. Then measure from the center of the king pin on the trailer back to the front of the trailer overhang and add that to measurement A. And finally, add to that 12 inches, the max distance a slider will travel.
Then measure the width of the trailer and divide by 2 to get half. Those special corners it has will not necessarily count so measure the width at the very front of the trailer. If measurement A is at least 4 inches more than half the trailer width, you can safely make 90 degree turns.
If not, instead of adding 12 to measurement A, add 22 inches which is the length of a Sidewinder arm. If you then end up with at least 4 inches greater than half the trailer width you will need to use a fixed 5th wheel hitch and a Sidewinder.
Sidewinders are pin box specific so you would need to find the pin box manufacturer and model number and then see if there is one that will fit using the FAQ I have linked. For example the # RP61412 will fit a Lippert 1116 or 1716 bolt pattern. I am fairly certain that you will need a Sidewinder. If there is one that will fit then you can install a 5th wheel hitch, see link for hitches and installation kits.
