5th Wheel Hitch and Installation Kit Recommendation for 2013 GMC Sierra 2500HD 6-1/2-Foot Bed

Updated 06/09/2017 | Published 06/07/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(29)

$599.00

B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5039)

$1599.00

Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit for Chevy/GMC - Carbide Finish

(350)

$267.39

Curt 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Custom Wiring Harness w/ 7-Pole Connector - 10' Long

(234)

$137.95

Question:

hi I have a 2013 gmc hd with a 61/2 bed will be pulling a 34 foot forest river sabre it says 9k weight wanting to buy a 20k hitch for future buys which hitch is the best bang for the buck in a slider

asked by: Doug M

Expert Reply:

The best sliding 5th wheel hitch for you will depend on whether or not you ever want to be able to tow a gooseneck hitch and if it is a requirement that you can have a clear bed - without hitch rails - in order to handle cargo hauling. Some options provide one or both of these additional capabilities.

If both gooseneck towing and the ability to have a totally clear bed are desirable features for you then the choice is easy, the B&W under-bed rail kit and 20K Companion Slider Hitch, parts # BWGNRK1012-5W and # BWRVK3400-5W. The under-bed install kit also serves as a gooseneck hitch and allows a totally clear bed for cargo. B&W gear is superbly well-made and it lasts.

If neither of these additional capabilities is needed then you can use a standard base rail kit and then choose any industry-standard 5th wheel hitch. I recommend a custom install kit as it will reduce drilling and overall installation time. Universal kits cost less but take about twice the time to intall and require you to drill into the truck frame. Custom kits avoid frame drilling. You can use kit # C16411-204 from Curt.

Now you can use any industry-standard 5th wheel hitch you choose. For maximum value and useful features I suggest the Curt A20 Slider # C16541. This offers the 20K capacity you want and 12-inches of slider travel. It also features a cushioned fully-pivoting head and double jaws for sold king pin contact.

For wiring you can use # C56000 which plugs in at your bumper-mounted 7-way.