Can a Fifth Wheel Hitch Be Installed in a Vehicle with a Body Lift

Published 02/24/2015

Question:

I have a body lift on a 1999 gmc 2500 sierra 4x4 I need to pull my 5th wheel what kind of hitch can I use that is safe

asked by: Tanya W

Expert Reply:

At this time my fifth wheel hitch manufacturers do not offer a fifth wheel installation kit that is compatible with trucks with body lifts. It may be possible to install a set of fifth wheel base rails in the bed of your 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, however the frame brackets would have to be custom made. If you are not experienced or familiar with this type of work, I recommend going to a custom fabrication shop to have the brackets made and installed.

Another issue that you will want to consider with your body lift is height compatibility with a fifth wheel trailer. Most fifth wheel hitches have an adjustable height between 13 inches and 18 inches from the floor of the truck bed. Most fifth wheel trailers were designed to be towed with trucks without lift kits, so you may notice that the trailer is higher at the nose and not level when hooked up to your truck. Towing a trailer with a high nose can cause issues with traction, stability and trailer sway.

Once you have the brackets made, you could use any of the industry standard above-bed fifth wheel base rails that you would like. Since you have a short bed truck you would want the slider hitch version of the hitch you referenced. For that you would want part # RP30075. A slider hitch is necessary in a short bed truck to give enough clearance to make tight turns.

expert reply by: Jameson C