Fifth Wheel Hitch and Installation Kit Recommendation for a 2013 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab 4X4 Short Bed

Question:

Installation will be on a 2013 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab 4X4. Box bed is standard 6"6'. The BandW Patriot has a 4inch forward to rear adjustment with a height of 16inch to 19inch adjustment. Clearance from the box bed top to the 5th wheel trailer encloser skin sidingbottom should be a minimum of 6inch if I remember correctly. How far forward of the rear axle should the 5th wheel center pin be located? Any additional advise would be appreciated.

asked by: Roger M

Expert Reply:

Unless the trailer you plan on towing has either a Sidewinder or a Reese Revolution pin box I can't safely recommend you install a B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # BWRVK3200 in your 2013 GMC 2500HD that has a short bed because this is a non-sliding hitch that would not give you enough clearance to make 90 degree turns no matter how it is installed in the bed of your truck.

For more information on Sidewinders I attached an FAQ article on them. In that article it will detail how to pick out one based on the trailer you have.

If you do have a Sidewinder and can use a stationary hitch like the Patriot that you referenced you would want a set of custom install fifth wheel base rails and you will want to install them exactly how the installation instructions I attached detail. Custom rail kits will install in about half the time as a universal kit and will minimize drilling.

The rail kit I would recommend is the # RP50066-58. I attached an install video for these rails for you to check out as well. If you follow the installation instructions for this kit the ball will be exactly where it needs to be.

These rails will work with the Patriot and most common fifth wheel hitches that are designed to fit the industry standard rails.

If you do not have a Sidewinder and instead need a sliding hitch I recommend the Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ S20 Slider # C95DR.