Determining Cab Clearance for Short Bed 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 With 5th Wheel RV

Question:

I just bought a 2020 GMC Denali with the standard 610inch bed and I own a 2018 Grand Design 29RS Reflection fifth wheel with a LIPP1621 pin box. My question is, can I use a BandW companion stationary hitch? It seems I saw this question answered by you folks before but couldnt find it again. I appreciate your expertise on these questions and want to make sure. The trailer has the round, tapered, nose. it does have the factory puck system installed on my 2500HD

asked by: Herb C

Expert Reply:

The 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 bed is a little longer than previous model year short beds, slightly over three inches longer. For most 5th wheels this is not enough to negate the need of a slide type hitch or a pin box with a rotating turret when making slow speed tight turns and not contact the cab of tow vehicle with the RV. But your set-up may be able to since you identify that it has a tapered nose, the formula to determine this is rather straightforward it is expressed as: (A + B) - C = Clearance

A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Length of pin box arm
C=Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half)

Please note the linked help article that explains this in detail and provides graphics to show where needed measurements are taken.

The B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package, # BWRVK3775 is my preferred option for your truck, I like the 1" thick jaws on the Companion. These are precision machined to provide a tight, sturdy connection and securely wrap around your trailer's king pin. The cam-action latching handle helps prevent binding, is simple to release, even on unlevel terrain. This option has the slider that helps to eliminate clearance problems during slow-speed turns and it works with the factory-installed 5th-wheel towing prep package, it is a Rail-free design that allows for full access to truck bed when hitch is removed.

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch, # BWRVK3710 is a fixed hitch for your vehicle with the OEM puck system. B&W is noted as having a superior powder coating and is made in USA with materials sourced from the USA.

If from the formula listed above you determine that you do not have a enough clearance for 5th wheel RV, I recommend the B&W Companion w/ Slider, # BWRVK3775. This will work very well with your Lippert 1621 pin box. If you want to do the fixed hitch but determine you do not have the clearance needed, you can change the Lippert 1621 pin box to a rotating turret design. If you go this route, I suggest the (16K) 5th Airborne Premium 5th Wheel Air Ride King Pin w/ Sidewinder and Turret, # RP61422.

Please note the linked product review and installation videos below along with the help article I mentioned to assist you in determining if your specific 5th wheel with has the needed measurements for cab clearance.