Can I Use A Fixed B&W 5th Wheel Hitch With My 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 Short Bed?

Question:

Hi, Can I use a fixed B&W Companion with my new 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 short bed and factory pucks? Specifically the BWRVK3710 that I got from you a few years ago. This hitch has served me really well and I really don't like sliding hitches as they make far too much noise and getting in and out of the truck to take tight turns is a pain. What do you think?

asked by: Robby

Expert Reply:

Though I would typically recommend the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider # BWRVK3775 with your short bed so the tight turns can be made, it isn't 100% necessary. You can use the B&W Companion # BWRVK3710 with your new 2022 Chevy Silverado 2500 short bed with the factory puck system, but there are a few things to keep in mind.

First, if you do not already have a pivoting pin-box, colloquially known as a sidewinder, I highly recommend one. This will move the pivot point back from the 5th wheel hitch to the point where the pin-box attaches to the frame of your trailer (I included an article we have on sidewinders as well). This allows for tight turns to be made without having to worry about the front of your trailer making contact with the cab of your new truck. To do this, we will need to know the pin-box number you currently have though. There should be a number a sticker, but these do wear off over time so I included an article about how to measure the bolt pattern to figure this out as well.

Second is to just stick with the fixed hitch and fixed pin-box. I highly recommend caution if you decide to go this way as your trailer can contact the cab of your truck and I have seen this cause some pretty significant damage to both the truck and trailer.

A different option would be to go with an auto sliding hitch, like the Demco Autoslide # DM8550035. You will also need the Demco 5th Wheel Rail Adapter for Chevy/GMC OEM # DM6333 to make this fit properly, but you will have 21,000 pounds of capacity and it will slide back automatically when you get to a certain point of a tight turn. No getting out to slide it back and then getting out again to slide it back. This is an expensive option, but it is an option I like. Just as the B&W hitches, this is American made and is very sturdy and reliable.