Best Fifth Wheel Towing Setup for a 2013 GMC Sierra

Question:

If you were looking at new fifth wheels which you you prefer. I was thinking if the 5er I decide to buy already has some type of air ride pin box I would go with the Companion and if not the Goose Box. Are there any pros or cons with either type? Which would be the safer better pulling hitch setup?

asked by: Mike S

Expert Reply:

If you wanted the ultimate fifth wheel setup I would recommend installing a 5th Airborne Sidewinder pin box on the trailer and then a stationary hitch. Sidewinders move the pivot point of the hitch further back which allow the trailer to track better around corners and makes for easier backing up. These are usually recommended for short bed trucks but they improve trailer handling on long bed trucks as well.

Since companion hitches aren't recommended for use with Sidewinders unless they are the ones designed for the puck system of the new Ram trucks I wouldn't recommend one for you 2013 GMC Sierra.

For a fifth wheel install kit I would recommend a custom install kit like the part # RP50066-58 since custom kit install in about half the time as a universal kit and minimize drilling. For a hitch I would recommend the Reese 22k part # RP30033.

Sidewinders are pin box specific so you will first need to know what pin box you have know in order to pick out the correct one.

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.

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 at the bottom of the page. The far right 2 columns are the 5th Airborne Sidewinders that are cushioned.

expert reply by: Jameson C