Can Fixed 5th Wheel Hitch Be Used On A 2022 GMC Sierra With Short Bed and OEM Puck System?

Question:

I have a 2022 GMC Sierra 2500 with the 6-3/4' bed and the OEM prep package. I am needing a 5th wheel hitch but really do not want a sliding hitch, do I have to use one?

asked by: Abby O

Expert Reply:

Even though your 2022 GMC Sierra has the 6-3/4' bed you may be able to get away with a fixed 5th wheel hitch such as the B&W Companion # BWRVK3710 if your trailer has a tapered nose, or your trailer has a rotating pin box. If you do have a rotating pin box you will need to use the wedge # SWW-06.

To find out if you will have enough clearance to make a full 90 degree turn or just to figure out how close it will be you will want to use the below formula:
(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Length of slider/offset/Sidewinder
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)

Since you are wanting a fixed hitch B=0 in the above equation.

To have enough clearance for a full 90 degree turn you will need at least 4" of clearance. If you do not have that much clearance a fixed hitch could still be used, but you will need to be extremely careful when making sharp turns to avoid the trailer contacting your cab.

If you find you are not even close to enough clearance, or if you would rather error on the side of caution then a sliding 5th wheel hitch such as the B&W Companion # BWRVK3775 would be a much better idea as it gives 12" of rearward travel when making sharp turns.

I included videos of the hitches mentioned for you to take a look at.