Reese Slider Hitch and Rail Kit Recommendation for a 2008 Chevy Silverado 1500

Question:

Will my 14k Reese2000 year model part #30031 fit in a 2008 chev silverado 1500 gas truck short bed. It came out of a 97 f350

asked by: Pj

Expert Reply:

Since you have a short bed truck you are going to want a hitch that has a slider to give you the clearance to make 90 degree turns.

The first thing you are going to need is a rail kit. This provides the attachment point for the hitch to your vehicle. For that I would recommend the Reese Quick-Install Custom Base Rails and Installation Kit # RP50064-58. This is a custom installation kit that will install in about half the time as a universal kit and will minimize drilling when compared to the Universal Rail Kit part # RP30035 that you referenced.

With this rail kit installed the 14k Reese hitch you have would install and would tow your trailer, but since you have a short bed and this is a stationary hitch you would not have enough clearance to make a 90 degree turn.

For a slider hitch I would recommend the Reese 16k Hitch and Slider part # RP30051. I attached an install video that shows both of these products being installed on a similar Silverado as yours.

expert reply by: Jameson C