Recommended 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch For Towing With a 2008 GMC Sierra 2500HD Duramax Long Bed

Question:

I have a 2008 GMC Sierra with LMM DuraMax engine. My truck has a club cab and 8foot bed. I want to pull a 40foot fifth wheel trailer that weighs 12,100 lbs.. First, do I have enough truck and second which hitch is the best to use?

asked by: James G

Helpful Expert Reply:

According to the 2008 GMC Trailering Guide your 2008 GMC Sierra 2500 is capable of 5th wheel towing either 15,800lbs for a 2wd model and 15,500lbs for a 4wd model.

I recommend installing the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # BWRVK3500-5W with the Custom Underbed Installation Kit # BWGNRK1067-5W. This 5th wheel hitch is rated for trailers up to 20,000lbs with a maximum tongue weight of 5,000lbs. The biggest benefit to the B&W system is that you retain your flat bed and do not have any rails that make it difficult to load items into your bed. You also will be able to tow 5th wheels with the Companion hitch or you can use the under bed hitch to also pull gooseneck trailers. This will make your Sierra more versatile if you need to pull different trailers.

I have linked installation videos below that will help you see the installation process and how you can still use your truck bed when the 5th wheel hitch is removed.

Be sure to add the Hopkins Endurance 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 90-Degree Wiring Harness # 41157 so that you can plug in your 5th wheel 7-way inside the bed and not have to drape the 7-way to the bumper connection as that may cause damage to the wiring and connector when maneuvering the trailer.

expert reply by: Bud M