Is a Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch Required for a 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 6-1/2 Bed
Published 08/08/2018
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Question:
I have a 2018 silverado with the 5.3 L engine and the 6.6 foot bed. Can I tow a fifth wheel without a slider hitch?
asked by: Jeff
Expert Reply:
There needs to be some sort of pin box or hitch extension in order to tow a 5th wheel trailer and make full 90 degree turns with your 2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 6-1/2' bed assuming the trailer does not have a tapered nose. For a sliding 5th wheel hitch, I recommend the Curt E16 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # 16516 with the Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit part # C16400-204. For a fixed 5th wheel hitch, I recommend the Reese M5 5th wheel hitch # RP30928 with the same Curt Custom Fifth Wheel Installation Kit part # C16400-204.
In order to use the fixed 5th wheel hitch you will also need to install a rotating pin box like the Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret part # RP34FR which is pin box specific so if you do choose this option I would need the model number of the pin box on your trailer to recommend the correct one. If this is the setup you need, then you'll also want custom wedge # RP44FR.
The other option you have is an automatic sliding 5th wheel hitch like the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer part # DM8550034 with the Demco Hijacker Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails part # DM8552027-71 which will not require you to exit the vehicle to engage the slider. I have attached review videos of each hitch for you as well so you can get a better idea of their features.
