Fifth Wheel Hitch Recommendation for 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LD 6.5 Foot Bed
Updated 07/02/2015 | Published 07/01/2015
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Question:
Hi, I have a 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 LD Crew Cab. Im looking at a 25foot 5th wheel camper. Wondering what the best set up for towing would be. Camper is currently set up 5th wheel.
asked by: Tim P
Expert Reply:
First, I recommend checking your owner's manual for your Silverado's maximum towing capacity. From what I found, Chevy has determined that fifth wheel and gooseneck trailers should not be towed with the 2005 Silverado 1500 Crew Cab. For example, The owner's manual for the Silverado 1500 Crew Cab, 4 wheel drive, 5800 V8, with an axle ratio of 4.10 lists a maximum towing capacity for the vehicle of 8,400 pounds. So as to not damage your truck, I recommend making sure the gross towing weight of the trailer does not exceed the towing capacity of your specific pickup.
If you find the camper will weigh less than your vehicle's maximum towing capacity, and you will be towing a fifth wheel camper, a fifth wheel hitch will be best for your setup. With a short bed truck, a sliding fifth wheel hitch allows you to have the clearance necessary to make tight turns.
For your 2005 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LD 6.5 foot bed, I recommend the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch. # DM8550034. This trailer hitch automatically slides when you need to make tight turns, eliminating the need for you to exit the vehicle multiple times and it fits the industry standard base rails. The Hijacker also provides 14 inches of front to back travel to offer the greatest clearance possible. The Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Rails and Universal Install Kit # DM8552009-71 allows you to install this hitch in the bed of your truck. The trailer hitch is rated at 18,000 pounds gross towing weight and has a vertical load limit of 4,500 pounds. Regardless of the rating of the hitch, your towing capacity will still be limited to that of your vehicle. I have included a review video of this trailer hitch for you.
Even if you find the camper's gross towing weight does not exceed your truck's max towing capacity, you will likely experience some rear vehicle sag. To correct this, I recommend a Timbren Suspension Enhancement system. If you have 2 wheel drive, # TGMRCK15S. If you have 4 wheel drive, # TGMRCK25S. These suspension enhancement systems will help correct vehicle sag and extend the life of your factory leaf spring suspension. I have included installation videos of these systems on 2005 Silverado 1500s.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4500 lbs Vertical Load
- 18000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Premium - Single-Hook Jaw
- 16-1/2 - 19-1/4 Inch Tall
- 14 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Demco
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