Question Was Asked By - Erin H

Compatability of Fifth Wheel Hitch With 2009 GMC Sierra with 5 foot 7 inch Bed

Question:

We have a 2009 GMC Sierra, 5.7 bed. We are looking to purchase a 2010 Cougar. What kind of hitch do we HAVE to have? 2 dealers are telling us a standard 5th wheel will work and they will install $1000, guarantee it will work. 2 other deals say no way, have to have a slider, and thats $3500. Obviously I want to pay less, but can you help with what is required for this make of 5th wheel?

asked by: Erin H

Expert Reply:

I see your confusion. There is no shortage of opinions on the fifth wheel setup and I cannot recommend a product that I have no experience with so the hitches your dealers have recommended may work.

For trucks with beds shorter than 6 feet, like your 2009 GMC Sierra, we recommend the Reese 16K Fifth Wheel Hitch, item # 30047, and installation kit, item # 50064-6008, if your loaded trailer is less than 16,000 pounds. If the loaded trailer weighs more you can select the proper hitch from the page linked below.

Along with this hitch you will need a sidewinder with rotating turret so that your setup will allow maneuvering in tight situations. With the Sidewinder you have clearance between the cab and trailer loft for making 90 degeree turns. To order the sidewinder you will need the trailer pin box part number to match the turret to the trailer.

We have a Sidewinder page(see link) that answers questions and tells you how to measure to make sure you will have clearance for maneuvers. You can also check out the Sidewinder fifth wheel with rotating turret page to see the chart for trailer specific pin box applications.

expert reply by: Bob G

Products Referenced in This Question

Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 16,000 lbs