How to Increase Cab Clearance When Towing a 5th Wheel Trailer with a 2004 GMC Sierra 6-1/2 Bed

Published 09/14/2018

Products Featured in This Question

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

(172)

$299.14

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

(1022)

$86.95

Question:

Thanks John..my truck is a 2004 GMc 2500 he short bed extended cab

asked by: Cecil

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to choose a replacement pin box for your '89 Featherlite Holiday Rambler you can either look for a pin box number on your current pin box (like 1621 or 0719 for example) but if you can't locate a number the next best thing to do is take measurements of your pin box. If you can measure the width, distance from the center of the king pin to the first set of installed bolts, and then the distance between bolt holes horizontally and vertically I can use the table from the linked helpful article to help you determine what the correct replacement is for you.

If you are having trouble with cab clearance when you are making tight turns then you may need a different 5th wheel hitch. Sliding 5th wheel hitches are useful when you have a truck bed that is shorter than 8' because they can provide you with enough clearance to make a 90 degree turn. If this is the case just let me know what size bed you have on your 2004 GMC Sierra (the vehicle you put in the "vehicle style") and what 5th wheel hitch you are using and I can let you know if you would benefit more from a sliding 5th wheel hitch!

expert reply by: Jon G

Cecil

9/14/2018

Thanks John..my truck is a 2004 GMc 2500 he short bed extended cab

Jon G.

9/14/2018

Although there are king pin extenders out there, if you have a 6-1/2' bed on your 2004 GMC Sierra you would benefit more from a sliding 5th wheel hitch as an extender won't give you enough clearance for a 90 degree turn. If you don't already have a sliding 5th wheel hitch then I highly recommend the A series 5th wheel hitches from Curt. We have the A16 # C16521 which has a weight capacity of 16,000 lbs, the A20 # C16541 which has a weight capacity of 20,000 lbs. These feature 12" of front to back travel for extra cab clearance, a 2-jaw system for 360 degree contact on your king pin, and a fully articulating torsion head for easy hookup and a comfortable ride. Either of these will install on your Sierra if you have base rails like part # C16418-204 installed. I also recommend installing a 7-Way connector like part # C56070 in the bed of your Sierra to help make coupling and uncoupling your trailer much quicker. We do have Sidewinder pin boxes that would replace your current pin box and allow you to use a stationary 5th wheel hitch. This kind of pin box rotates at the turret instead of on the king pin so you will gain an additional 22" of clearance. If you would rather go this route (which would keep you from having to get in and out of your cab during turns) just let me know your pin box number or the measurements I referenced above and I can see if we have a direct replacement for you along with what hitch is compatible. Attached are some review videos that you can reference as well.