Installing Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch on Short Bed GMC Truck

Updated 07/21/2017 | Published 07/19/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch System with Adapter - 20,000 lbs

(99)

$840.11

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 13,000 lbs

(711)

$2145.00

Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches

(4)

$453.95

Question:

I have a 2015 GMC with a 66inch bed. Should I install the coupler block behind the kingpin as I have an extended pinbox which extends 22.5inch pass the closes bolts and 25inch when the coupler block is installed. With this situation I have about 5inch clearance behind pinbox to my tailgate. Would this 5inch rear clearance help clear my side rails? Also if I install the coupler block behind the kingpin I know I lose about 5.5inch of the 9inch offset. Which I think would still leave me a 4inch offset. Is that correct that I Would still be 4inch further back from my truck rear window then having a regular 5th wheel hitch?

asked by: John W

Expert Reply:

You can indeed install the greaseless opening of the coupler block on the Andersen Ultimate Connection 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch # AM3200 behind the kingpin. This is typically done if there will be a possibility that the pin box will hit the tailgate or side rails of your truck.

However, this particular hitch is not recommended for trucks like yours that have a bed shorter than 6 feet. The additional clearance that the offset will provide will not be sufficient for making sharp turns when towing your trailer.

I instead recommend going with a sliding hitch that will provide enough clearance with your short bed truck like the Demco Hijacker # DM8550040. This is the only sliding hitch that provides enough travel (22-1/2 inches) for clearance with 5-1/2 foot beds. It will mount to any standard, above-bed base rails. If you do not already have above-bed base rails installed on your Sierra 1500, you can use # DM8552027-71.

This hitch has a towing weight capacity of 13,000 pounds and features a premium single-piece jaw to provide a secure connection with the trailer king pin. I have included the installation details as well as a video demonstration for you to check out.

expert reply by: Chris R