Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a B&W Gooseneck Trailer Hitch with a 2006 GMC Sierra 2500HD

Question:

I have an 06 GMC 2500 HD with a short bed that has a BandW hide-a-ball hitch installed. I also have a 16000K Reese 5th wheel hitch which I need to install. can I get the slider installation kit for that and will I need to remove the hide-a-ball hitch before installing the slider? I would preefer not to remove the hide-a-ball because I also pull a gooseneck horse trailer.

asked by: Frank R

Expert Reply:

A 5th wheel trailer hitch will interfere with the gooseneck hitch on your 2006 GMC Sierra but I do have a solution for you. You can use the Hi-Rise 5th wheel hitch, # 9480. It is designed to fit with a BandW turnover ball. It has a capacity of 18,000 pounds and a pin weight capacity of 4,500 pounds.

However, this unit does not have a sliding or offset feature. Since you have a short bed truck, if the trailer is too wide, you may not have the clearance to make 90 degree turns. I have included a link to the installation details for you to view.

Another possible solution is to use the Andersen Ultimate 5th Wheel Connection, # AM3225. This device attaches to the gooseneck ball in the truck and provides a special adapter on the other end that fits on the 5th wheel trailer king pin allowing it to fit on the units gooseneck ball. It also has a 5-1/4 inch offset for more clearance when making tight turns, unlike the Hi-Rise. I have linked a video review for you to view.

I have also included a link to an FAQ article that covers the various adapters you could use for towing a 5th wheel trailer with a gooseneck hitch.

expert reply by: Michael H