Fixed Or Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch for 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 Truck With 6-3/4 Foot Bed?

Question:

I have a 2021 Voltage 3915 and a 2021 GMC 3500 with the standard bed. Can I use the BWRVK3715 or will this combination need a sliding hitch? It looks like the trailer has a rounded nose design and with the longer standard bed in newer GM trucks I am hoping I dont need a sliding hitch. Please advise.

asked by: Dale

Expert Reply:

We have a general calculation where you measure from kingpin in the pin box to the outer most point on the nose of your trailer, then measure from the center of the lock jaws on your fifth wheel hitch to the closest point of your truck cab and compare to see if the trailer nose will impact your cab. However, this calculation only works when your fifth wheel hitch is already in your truck, and does not account for more favorable nose shapes that seek to improve the potential trailer angle.

We do not have a table to tell the best turning degree a given truck, hitch, and trailer combination can make. I can tell you that making a right hand turn in town is going to be tight with a 43 foot trailer. Sure, your bed being 3" longer than other short beds helps, and the nose of your trailer is very favorably shaped for tight turns, but it is probably not enough.

Very likely you will be disappointed with your decision if you get a fixed hitch like the B&W # BWRVK3715 in a truck with less than an 8 foot bed. An automatic sliding hitch would be better than a manual slider.

If your GMC has the factory Prep Package for fifth wheel hitches, then you have a couple choices. First is the Curt # C16566 Fifth Wheel Hitch rated to pull 24,000 pounds with a tongue weight of 6250 pounds. You will additionally need the Curt # C88KR Installation rails.

The other choice is the Demco # DM8550035 hitch rated for 21,000 pounds towing and 5250 pound tongue weight. You will additionally need the Demco # DM6333 installation rails. The Demco is an AUTO slide. It slides backwards as you turn, and back up to the cab when not in a turn. There is both a significant cost and significant benefit for this hitch. I have attached a video of an different auto slider for your review.

If your GMC does not have the fifth wheel prep package, then we can change the rail types to fit. If you can live with a lower towing capacity there are other price points as well.