Easy Way To Determine Distance from Fifth Wheel Hitch Jaw and 2016 Chevy Silverado Truck Cab
Updated 03/03/2016 | Published 03/02/2016
Question:
I am buying a new fifth wheel and will be towing it with a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 HD with a short bed. I am of course concerned about the distance between the RV cap and the back of the truck - so that I dont crunch the C Pilliars. The 5th wheel is one of the more modern ones with radiused front corners that is supposed to help with short beds, but they wont reveal how close to 90 deg I can turn probably due to liability. For me to determine that, I am trying to find the recommended dimension aftermarket 5th wheel hitches from the rear of the bed to the center of the hitch jaws the part the 5th wheels kingpin fits into. Once I know that dimension, I can simply measure the distance from the kingpin on the 5th wheel to the front cap radius, and simple math will reveal the expected clearance. So would you have the typical recommended dimension from the rear of the 6.5ft bed to the hitch jaw on my truck?
asked by: Al C
Expert Reply:
The precise location of where the center of the fifth wheel jaw will be will vary slightly on the rail kit you go with and then the hitch as well to a small extent. But most likely it's going to be right above the center of the rear axle. If you were to use the fifth wheel rail kit by Reese part # RP56001-53 which is custom fit for your truck the rail kit will center right over the rear axle according to the install instructions that I have attached.
So you can then measure from the center of your truck's rear wheel to the cab and you will know the clearance dimension you are looking for.
If you determine that you don't need a slider hitch the part # RP30047 is a popular option that would work well. Or if you need a slider the part # RP30051 would be great too.
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on 5th Wheel Hitch Rails
