Best 5th Wheel Hitch For 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500 Short Bed

Question:

I have a 2024 Chevy 2500 crew cab with short bed , it does not have the prep package , we are looking at purchasing a 2024 Salem Hemisphere 369BL and are wondering what hitch to buy ….. do we need a slider ? We travel a mountain paved road with a few switch back on it that we will have to turn right on as we are on the downhill side ……. Wanting to make sure we won’t have any issues ….

asked by: Shane W

Expert Reply:

I definitely recommend going with a sliding hitch for your short bed 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500 to ensure your trailer doesn't crash into the cab of your truck. This is especially true since you mentioned the switchback roads and tight turns. With that in mind, the best 5th wheel hitch is going to be one that does not require you to get in and out of your truck to slide the hitch, so it will be much more convenient for you. The hitch is an autoslide, from Demco; for the hitch and 5th wheel rails that fit your Chevy, here is what you need:

- Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch with Slider - 18,000 lbs # DM8550034

- Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Chevy/GMC Truck # C16429-204

The automatic slide of the Demco is a really convenient feature, but that's not the only reason the # DM8550034 is the best hitch. It also gives you an outstanding connection with your king pin via its unique jaw system. The hitch has a single-piece jaw that wraps totally around the king pin, and is reinforced via a 3/4" solid steel bar that locks into place once the jaw is closed. The reinforced jaw system is what will give you a much quieter ride with less rattling and slack in the jaws than other hitches.

The hitch will fit the # C16429-204 base rails, and this kit is also great because it does not require any drilling into your Chevy's frame to install. The only other thing you may need if you don't have it is a 5th wheel wiring harness, the Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness # C53CR.