Will Toolbox in 2010 Chevy Silverado 2500 Short Bed Interfere with 5th Wheel Trailer when Turning

Question:

I am a newbie to 5th wheel trailering. I bought a used 2005 keystone everest 37ft 5er and I have a 2010 Chevorlet 2500hd with Duramax to pull it. Its the 6 1/2 foot bed. I have been relying on others to help me through the new process and information. I have gotten some advice that wasnt all that good. I was wonder8ng if you could answer a few questions. There is ano over the rail tool box in my truck that I had bought and had installed because I was told the 3inch low profile would be ok. I have not been able to decide on a hitching system. Im not sure if there are even any that will allow for clearance now that I read in a forum that there isnt any autos slider that would give me clearance if turning onto uneven ground? I have read about the reese sidewinder, the Anderson and the hijacker. Are any of these even possible or do I have to eliminate the toolbox?

asked by: Allen P

Expert Reply:

It is possible that you can keep the toolbox in place but if the trailer pitches enough when turning it will damage the toolbox. The rule is that you need 6 inches from the top of the bed sides to the bottom of the 5th wheel trailer overhang. If the toolbox sticks up 3 inches then you potentially have only 3 inches left to account for pitch and roll.

If you were to use a Sidewinder pin box it would not be a problem because the Sidewinder moves the pivot point of the trailer back 22 inches. If you want to go this route then I would need to know the manufacturer and model of the pin box to determine if there is a Sidewinder that will fit.

The regular HiJacker has 14 inches of travel and slides automatically which may or may not be enough to avoid making contact with the toolbox. But there is a version of the HiJacker than has 22-1/2 inches of travel, # DM8550040. It is rated for a maximum of 13,000 pounds. This version of the HiJacker has enough travel for the clearance you need.

And of course the other option is to remove the toolbox. Or perhaps replace it with a chest style toolbox that doesn't stick up above the bed sides if you want to keep the storage. Keep in mind though there is limited space between the front of the bed and the 5th wheel hitch to put a toolbox.

No matter which route you take you will need an installation kit. I recommend a custom kit such as # RP50064-58 because there is much less drilling involved for installation. The hitch you end up with is going to depend on if you go with a Sidewinder or not. I have included a link to our help article on Sidewinders for you.

expert reply by: Michael H