Recommended 5th Wheel Hitch and Rails For 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali Duramax Diesel  

Question:

Expert Reply:

I wasn't concerned at all about your ability to tow a Keystone Avalanche 385BG, but I did look up your towing capacity to help you with that info. For a 5th wheel your truck will have a different rating than the bumper pull towing capacity. A truck's capacity can vary depending on the cab style, box length, axle ratio and if it is a 2WD or 4WD. Because you gave me the box length, and I assume you don't have 4WD or would have stated so, and because the duramax diesel have the same axle ratio. Your towing capacity for 5th wheel is as follows:
If you have a double cab--16,400 lbs
If you have a crew cab--15,400 lbs
If you have a standard cab--15,400 lbs

A 6-1/2 foot bed will require a sliding 5th wheel hitch. I recommend the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch - 18,000 lbs # DM8550034 because it does all the sliding work for you so you can simply drive and not worry about the adjustments.

If you prefer a manual slider where there is a locked position for towing and a locked position for turning clearance like around gas pumps and getting into your campsite, then I recommend the Curt A16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ R16 Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs # C16521. This slider has interlocking jaws for great king pin connection to reduce jarring and chucking. The round tube slide rails prevent binding as well.

With either option, I recommend the Reese Quick-Install Custom Outboard Installation Kit w/ Base Rails # RP56001-53 for your base rails. I also recommend the wiring harness # 50-97-410 to put a second 7-way in the bed of your truck for easy connection access.

Let me know if you have further questions.

expert reply by: Jason S

0

Kevin

2/16/2018

Thank you for the reply. My truck is actually a 4x4....I am sorry I neglected to mention that. I don't want to struggle getting up hills or not being able to stop, etc. With some of the details I gave you how does the pin weight play into this? I just want to be sure I have the right hitch and a capable truck of pulling such a heavy 5th wheel since it's a 3/4 ton. Thanks in advance.

Jason S.

2/16/2018

For your 2017 GMC Sierra 2500 Denali 4x4 Duramax, the 5th wheel towing capacity is 13,500 lbs. so you would basically be able to pull it if you never loaded anything in it. The pin weight is normally about 20% on a 5th wheel and won't be an issue, but the towing weight obviously poses a problem.