Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for My 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500

Question:

Im interested in recommendations for a 5th wheel hitch. When I contacted BandH Hitches, they did not recommend a slider 5th wheel hitch for my 2021 Chevrolet 2500HD High County 6foot 9inch bed as they noted that GM has moved everything back toward the tailgate 4inch for the 2020 and 2021 GM trucks to allow more cab clearance. Owners of these GM models and the slider hitch were hitting their tailgates. Have you encountered this situation? Which hitches can you recommend?

asked by: William G

Expert Reply:

Since GM has moved the puck systems back of the bed of their trucks, it is possible that you will not need a sliding fifth wheel hitch for your 2021 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, especially if the front of your trailer is tapered. I have not personally heard of any instances were the sliding hitch was hitting the tailgate, but we will work to ensure that doesn't happen for you.

The first thing you will need to do is determine turning clearance, you can do this by taking some measurements. The first thing you want to measure is the width of your trailer, then divide that number by 2 (that number will be X). Next you will measure from the back of your truck cab to the center of the 5th wheel hitch head (this number will be Y). If your trailer has an overhang that extends beyond the kingpin, this distance will need to be subtracted from measurement Y. We are looking for the forward-most point of your fifth wheel, that is why you would subtract this distance.

Now to determine the truck-trailer clearance you will take Y - X (making sure you subtract the distance your trailer hangs over the kingpin. Y - X will equal Z, if Z is positive the trailer will not interfere with the truck cab when making a turn and you can go with a with a fixed fifth wheel hitch. If Z is a negative number, then the trailer will obstruct thre truck cab when turning and you will need a sliding fixed wheel hitch.

If it is determined you can use a fixed fifth wheel hitch, I recommend the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs # BWRVK3710. If you need a sliding hitch I recommend the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K # BWRVK3775.

I recommend the B&W Companion because they have 1" dual lock jaws that give you 360° jaw-to-kingpin contact. The can also be installed and removed in two pieces, which makes it much easier to move.