How to Tow a Fifth Wheel Trailer with a Truck that has a Bed Shorter than 6 Feet

Question:

I have a 2007 Chevy Silverado 1500HD, the bed is the short 5.5. I am looking at either the Curt Q16 sliding hitch or the Curt E16 sliding hitch. I was comparing the two hitches and can really see a difference in the features. I would like a hitch that slides to have with maneuvering and would also like a dual pivot head to help with coupling in uneven areas. Can you tell me the difference between the two hitches and which one you would recommend?

asked by: Mitch S

Expert Reply:

Since your truck bed is shorter than 6 feet your only option for towing a fifth wheel trailer will be to replace the pin box of your trailer with a Sidewinder pin box and use a stationary hitch. Check out the FAQ article I attached on Sidewinders.

With Sidewinders a slider hitch is not necessary as the clearance to make sharp turns is there already. When towing with a standard king pin, the fifth wheel trailer turns or pivots where the king pin is connected to the hitch. With the sidewinder, the truck and trailer are prevented from pivoting at the hitch. Instead the pivot point is located closer to the tailgate, creating much more space in between the truck cab and trailer on sharp turns. The new pivot point makes the trailer track better behind the truck for even easier towing.

There should be a sticker or a stamping on the OEM pin box of the trailer that will list the pin box number that is on the trailer.

If you cannot find the number you can use the measurements of the bolt holes of the pin box to determine which one you have. I attached an FAQ on how to do this for you to check out also.

Once you figure out which pin box you have you can check the FAQ I attached that has a chart that shows the correct Sidewinder to get based on which pin box you have.

For a stationary fifth wheel hitch similar to the ones you referenced I would recommend the Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - Slide Bar Jaw - 16,000 lbs # C16115 with Sidewinder Wedge # C16991.