Will The 16K Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch with Slider Work With a 2008 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab Short Bed?

Question:

I will be buying a 2008 GMC Duramax 2500HD crew cab short bed truck. Will this hitch work and what else do I need to install it? Does this use existing holes in the frame or is there drilling required? The trailer is a 2008 Rockwood 8280SS, about 8,000lb dry weight. I dont know the dimensions of the pin box.

asked by: Mike G

Expert Reply:

The 16K Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch with Slider, part number RP30051, with the custom install kit, part # RP50064-58, will fit in your 2008 GMC as long as you have a 6 foot or longer bed and your pin box has at least a 13 inch extension. The install kit will include everything you need for a no drill installation (except through the bed) to install the Slider hitch.

If your truck bed is less than 6 feet (5 feet 8 inch), or your pin box does not have the required extension, you will want to order the 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch, part # RP30047, and a Sidewinder with Rotating Turret to match your pin box on your trailer along with the RP50064-58 custom install kit. The standard fifth wheel hitch and Sidewinder combination should give you clearance to make 90 degree turns without contact between the trailer loft and the cab of your pickup with out exiting the pickup to move a slider.

If you need the sidewinder, or would like the convenience of not having to move the slider for maneuvering, you will need to know your trailers pinbox manufacturer and model number, and select the model that fits your needs. We have a formula on our sidewinder page that will allow you to measure to make sure the sidewinder will work with your pickup and fifth wheel combination.

expert reply by: Robert G