Under-bed 5th Wheel Installation Kit for a 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 HD Short bed

Question:

I am looking for a Fifth Wheel hitch that will leave the bed inch when hitch is not in use without rails crossing the bed bottom, I have heard of below bed mounts that the hitch is easy to remove and leaves only 4 plugs as a reminder you have a hitch.

asked by: Rod

Expert Reply:

The under-bed fifth wheel kit for your 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD short bed is the Reese Elite Series Below-Bed Kit, part # RP30868. This install kit will have 4 pucks that will be flush with the floor of your truck bed and does not require any above-bed base rails. The fifth wheel hitch that was designed to work with the below-bed rails and short bed trucks is the Reese Elite Series Sliding Fifth Wheel Hitch, part # RP30144. If you already have a fifth wheel hitch that uses the above-bed base rails, then you could just use the Elite Series Under-bed Rail Adapter, part # RP30156.

Another option that you have is to install the B and W Gooseneck Hitch, # BWGNRK1012-5W, and use the B and W Companion Fifth Wheel Hitch, # BWRVK3400-5W. This option would save you some money over the Elite Series kit, it would give you the ability to tow a gooseneck trailer if the situation arose and you would only have to cut one hole in the truck bed.

I have attached installation videos for the B and W and the Elite Series install kits on a Silverado for you to check out. I have also attached the installation instructions.

expert reply by: John H