Towing a 102 Inch Wide 5th Wheel Trailer with a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 Short Bed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

To get the clearance you need to tow your 102 inch wide 1996 Gulf Stream Kingsley 5th wheel trailer a replacement pin box will not offer enough extension.

Basically the distance from the back of the truck cab to the center of the king pin when the trailer is coupled has to be at least 4 inches more than half the width of the trailer. That means that you would need a cab to king pin distance of 55 inches.

If you have the factory 5th wheel prep package in your 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 or an aftermarket installation kit already installed in the vehicle measure from the back of the truck cab to the center point between the rails or mounting pucks for a hitch. Take 55 inches and subtract from it the cab to king pin measurement. The difference is the amount of extension you will need.

A Sidewinder moves the trailer pivot point back 22 inches but there isn't a Sidewinder that fits the pin box you have. That means that the hitch will have to be replaced. The hitch that offers the most travel is the 13K Demco HiJacker which has a maximum travel distance of 22-1/2 inches.

There are 2 versions of this hitch: # DM8550040 is designed for industry standard above the bed rails, such as those found in installation kit # RP50066-58, and # DM8550041 which fits an aftermarket under bed system.

If the truck has the factory pre package then you would need to use adapter # DM6194 and then you could use # DM8550040 in the adapter.

expert reply by: Michael H

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