Is Sliding Hitch Necessary for Towing Older 5th Wheel with 2021 GMC 2500 Short Bed
Question:
I have just purchased a new 21 gmc 2500 standard bed pickup Denali. Dealer trying to sell fixed hitch that fits into puck system. I pull an older fifth wheel camper. Do I need a slider hitch for clearance?. If so what is the advantage disadvantage of automatic slider? Do they offer automatic hitch that fits puck system? What are all the components that would be needed to be purchased.
asked by: Tommy L
Expert Reply:
Given the fact that your 5th wheel very likely has a squared-off front end (instead of the convex or dished-on corners seen on some newer 5th wheels) you'll want to using a sliding hitch to avoid having the front corners of the 5th wheel strike the back of the cab during turns.
Demco offers the Hijacker Auto Slide in an 18K version as part # DM8550034 or a 21K version as part
# DM8550035. The advantage of the auto sliding hitch is convenience. You won't need to leave the truck cab to release the sliding mechanism of the hitch every time you need to do some low-speed maneuvering. Once the hitch head rotates, it automatically slides rearward and will return forward after the turn. It's a pretty slick system that our customer love. About the only downside to the hitch is the weight. The hitch isn't light, weighing in at around 250 lbs, but a lifting bracket is available as part # DM6100 that would allow you to use a chain hoist to easily install/remove the hitch.
For either hitch mentioned above, you'll also need the # DM6333 adapter that sits in the pucks.
If you'd rather forego the auto sliding hitch, you could use the # BWRVK3775 which is less expensive but still a super-high quality American made product. The 20K capacity # BWRVK3775 B&W Companion will install directly into the in-bed pucks and weighs about 50 lbs less than the Auto Slide.
If you'd also like to install a 7-way trailer connector into the truck bed so you don't have to run the trailer connector wire up over the tailgate, you can install one using part # HM54FR.
I've linked to some demonstration videos that you might find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- OEM - GM
- 5000 lbs Vertical Load
- 20000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 17 - 19 Inch Tall
- B and W
more information >
Demco 5th Wheel Lifting Bracket
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Tools
- Lift Bracket
- Demco
more information >
Demco 5th Wheel Rail Adapter for Chevy/GMC OEM 5th Wheel Towing Prep Package - 21K
- Accessories and Parts
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Adapters
- Rail Adapter
- Demco
more information >
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 16-1/2 - 19-1/4 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 21,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 5250 lbs Vertical Load
- 21000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 15-1/4 - 18 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
more information >
Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole and 4-Pole Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Fifth Wheel and Gooseneck Wiring
- 6 Feet Long
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Custom
- Below the Bed
- B and W
more information >
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