Recommended Suspension Enhancement And Fifth Wheel Hitch For A 2018 GMC Sierra 1500 With MagneRide

Question:

Hi, I have a 2018 gmc 1500 denali crew cab/short bed/6.2L/max tow with magnaride. Looking at getting a fifth wheel trailer in tow. I want airbags and saw AL57204 as it works with a fifth wheel hitch RM-1109-169 for anti-sway but this doesnt work with the magnaride. While RP50082-58 and DM8550040 would work together. Any help or suggestions is appreciated. Ive also looked into RAS2611 which could solve the problem but the addition of airbags over Roadmaster Active Suspension works with magnaride becomes the main question. Thanks,

asked by: James S

Helpful Expert Reply:

Because of your 2018 GMC Sierra 1500's MagneRide suspension you won't be able to install air bags to enhance your suspension but you will be able to use the RoadActive Suspension Custom Leaf Spring Enhancement Kit # RAS2611 you were looking at. The RAS adjusts to your load to level your ride. This system also increases stability, handling, and control by improving traction and reducing sway. This system is customizable to your vehicle. During installation, the tension setting of the coil tension springs should be increased to exactly 40 percent for improved road handling and support. To do this, rotate the springs while keeping the threaded rod still. As you turn the spring, use a 2mm quarter as a gauge to measure the widening gaps between the coils.

The Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar # RM-1109-169 is a confirmed fit for your 2018 GMC 1500 as well and will help reduce sway and driver fatigue by improving the stability and drivability by mounting to the rear axle and to the frame to balance weight transfer and reduce body roll.

As for the 5th wheel hitch, you will want to use a sliding hitch or a standard hitch with a sidewinder pin box depending on the length of your short bed.

The Reese Quick-Install Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # RP50082-58 you were looking at are not a fit for your GMC Sierra and are actually designed for a Ford F-250 through F-450 (select years).

If you have a 5.5' bed then I recommend the B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 18,000lbs # BWRVK3255 with the B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # BWRVK2503. These base rails will require additional brackets to install with your MagneRide suspension and will require you to reach out to B&W directly to get them. You will need a sidewinder pin box for turning clearance and the custom wedge kit # SWW-06 to prevent the king pin of the pin box from pivoting in the jaws of your hitch. Pin boxes are bolt pattern specific so you will need to know the bolt pattern of your current pin box to get the correct sidewinder replacement. Manufacturers typically have a sticker or stamp that says the model number or serial number which we can look up for you to identify the pin box. If there are no indicators on your pin box then you can use the attached identification guide to determine the bolt pattern. I've also attached our FAQ article on sidewinder/rotating pin boxes to offer you some additional information.

If you have a 6.5' bed I recommend the B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000lbs # BWRVK3400-5W with the Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches # BWGNRK1057-5W. This is the only confirmed fit we have that will not require additional brackets to fit your MagneRide suspension and comes with a sliding hitch to give you better turning clearance to prevent the nose of your trailer from coming into contact with the cab of your truck.