Measurement To Determine If A Sliding Hitch Is Needed For A 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 Short Bed

Question:

How do I know if I need to use a sliding 5th wheel hitch in my 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500? It does have a short bed with the pucks in it, but the front of my camper is pretty short. I really don't like how heavy and inconvenient sliding hitches are and would prefer not to have to use one. Is there a specific measurement that says I have to use one with this new truck?

asked by: Jared

Expert Reply:

This actually comes up every now and then and you will want to use the following formula:

(A+B)-C = Clearance
A= distance from center of hitch jaws to cab
B= sliding hitch movement
C= width of trailer nose divided by 2

If you get greater or equal to 4", you are good to go with a fixed hitch, like the 20k B&W Companion # BWRVK3710 which will secure into the factory pucks in the bed of your 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500. If you get less than 4", which you most likely will with your Silverado having the short bed, we do recommend going with a sliding hitch, like the 20k B&W Companion Slider # BWRVK3775. However, If you wanted to stick with a fixed hitch, you are not completely out of luck.

What you will need to do to stay with a fixed option is change out the king pin on your camper with something like the Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin # RP34FR. This will move the pivot point back from the hitch head, with the Wedge Kit # RP74FR, but you will need to make sure you pin box number is a Lippert 0719, 1621, or 1621HD. This will also fit a few other pin box numbers, but it will allow you to use a fixed hitch with a short bed truck.