Hitch Comparison For 2011 Chevrolet Silveraldo Extended Cab With 6.5 bed, Duramax Diesel

Question:

2011 silveraldo ext.cab 6.5 bed, Duramx diesel This is my first fifth wheel and Im struggling to figure out which hitch is best. I was looking at a hensley BD3, but dont know if its worth the extra money and was wondering what you know about the BD3 compared to other fifth wheel hitches. I will be towing a trailer that will weigh app. 13000 to 14000 pounds...Thanks

asked by: Randy P

Expert Reply:

We do carry fifth-wheel hitches that are a fit for your 2011 Chevrolet Silverado Extended Cab. The hitch you referenced is not one of the brands we carry so I am unable to give you the statistical differences or comparisons with the hitches we do carry.

I recommend a fifth-wheel system with underbed rails like the Reese Elite Series, part # RP30144. This hitch has a 4-way pivoting head, has a 16 to 18 inch height adjustment, and the slider travel for this hitch is 10 inches front to back. This hitch has an 18000 lb gross towing weight capacity and has a 4500 lb vertical load limit. This hitch will not work for trucks with Flareside/Stepside beds. This hitch has a 7 year limited warranty.

The underbed rails allow you to have full use of the bed of your truck when you are not towing. The underbed rails for this hitch are the Under-Bed Rail and Installation Kit for Reese Elite Series, part # RP30868. I have attached an installation video that shows these being installed on a 2011 Silverado.

Another option is to install a fifth-wheel hitch like the Reese Elite Series 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch, part # RP30921, with the part # RP30868 underbed rails and also install a Sidewinder on your fifth-wheel trailer. I have attached a helpful article that explains Sidewinders and how you measure to make sure you have the clearance necessary when executing a 90-degree turn. In the help article there is also a chart that shows you which Sidewinder would be the right fir for you based on the pin box you have on your trailer.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L