5th Wheel Trailer Hitch and Installation Kit for a 1998 Chevy K1500 4x4
Question:
1998 Silverado K1500 4x4 5.7 V8 Is there a fifth wheel hitch that will fit this truck? If so what is the highest weight I should or shouldnt pull
asked by: Michael L
Expert Reply:
First, for the weight capacity, you will want to consult your vehicle owners manual. The gross combined vehicle weight rating is the most amount of weight that the truck and trailer can weigh together and that includes being loaded and with passengers, fuel, and so on. There should also be a gross trailer weight rating which is the most a trailer can weigh when loaded and ready to tow. The pay load should be how much weight you can put in the truck bed. And finally there may also be an axle weight rating and that is how much weight you can put on the axle.
Basically, determine the GCWR (gross combined weight rating) from owners manual or plate on door jamb. Subtract the GVW (curb weight plus whatever is loaded in truck) from the GCWR, and the difference is the max GTW (gross trailer weight).
For an installation kit you can use Reese universal installation kit # RP30035. It will fit short or long beds. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you. For a hitch if you have a short bed you will need a slider. A slider moves the pivot point back 10 to 12 inches and will allow you to make tight maneuvers. For a long bed you would used a fixed hitch.
A common size is 16K. For a 16K slider I recommend # RP30051. And for a 16k fixed hitch use # RP30047. Both hitches feature a 4-Way pivoting head and dual-jaws for a secure connection.
Products Referenced in This Question
Reese Universal Base Rails and Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches - 10 Bolt
- Fifth Wheel Installation Kit
- Universal
- Above the Bed
- Reese
more information >
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 15 - 18 Inch Tall
- 10 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Fixed Fifth Wheel
- Aftermarket Below Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 13-1/2 - 17 Inch Tall
- Reese
more information >
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