How to Tell If 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 6.5' Bed Can Tow Trailer with Fixed 5th Wheel Hitch

Question:

Thanks for the help Jon, this sounds exactly what I need but I have a couple of questions, 1] I have a Reese installed now with the above rails, will the Demco Auto Slide Item DM8550035 work with these rails or will I need to change the rails also ? 2] Do you have this in a 18K or 20K

asked by: RON B

Helpful Expert Reply:

Thanks for reaching out!

The 22K Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch RP30033 might work with the 6-1/2' bed on your 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 but we need to do a little math first. Here is the formula we need to use:

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab - (Just measure from the middle of in-between your base rails to the cab)
B = Length of slider/offset/Sidewinder - (This would be 0 for you)
C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half) - (This would be 50-1/2" for you)

You need at least 4" of clearance to be able to make a 90 degree turn. If you can make that work then great! If there isn't enough turning clearance then I recommend checking out the Curt A20 # C16541 for a manual slider hitch or the Demco Hijacker # DM8550035 for an autosliding hitch.

I personally like to recommend the Demco simply because it keeps you in the cab of your truck for the duration of your trip, unlike the Curt where you'll have to get in and out of your cab to mess with the slider during tight turns.

Attached are some videos for you to check out!

expert reply by: Jon G

Industry Standard 5th Wheel Base Rails
(click to enlarge)

Ron B.

12/7/2022

Jon G.

12/7/2022

Yes, we have the Demco Hijack in an 18K version as part # DM8550034 - either one of these will fit the above-bed base rail system in your GMC Sierra 2500 as long as it's the industry standard rails and nothing specialized for a specific hitch. I'm attaching a photo of the dimensions of industry standard rails so you can compare and be certain on your end.