Recommended Fifth Wheel Hitches for 2011 GMC Sierra 2500HD with Short Bed
Updated 01/12/2013 | Published 12/03/2011
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
Are there any makes of hitches to stay away from. I have 2011 3500HD GMC 6 6 bed and plan to tow a 5th wheel that is about 27 long.
asked by: Curtis
Expert Reply:
As long as you stay with a name-brand product like Reese, Husky or Curt, you should have no problems.
You will want to choose a hitch whose weight capacity exceeds the fully loaded ready-to-tow weight of your fifth wheel. Because your truck has the 6-1/2 foot bed, you will want to choose a sliding hitch. A slider provides additional clearance between the front of the trailer loft and the rear of the truck cab, to prevent the trailer from striking and damaging the truck during turns. The Reese 16K with Round Tube Slider, part # RP30075 would be a good choice. The round tubes on the slider ensure that the hitch will slide smoothly back and forth, as the square tube models can bind.
A custom install kit, part # RP50066-58 is available.
If you truck is not equipped with the trailer connector in the bed, I would recommend part # 50-97-410.
I have linked you to the instructions for the install kit, as well as an install video showing the kit being installed on a 2011 Silverado 3500. The install for your truck would be identical.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Reese 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Square Tube Slider - Dual Jaw - 16,000 lbs
- 5th Wheel Hitch
- Sliding Fifth Wheel
- Above Bed Rails
- 4000 lbs Vertical Load
- 16000 lbs GTW
- Double Pivot
- Standard - Double Jaw
- 15 - 18 Inch Tall
- 10 Inch Fore/Aft Travel
- Reese
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider and Universal Install Kit - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Q&A: Adapting Patriot 5th Wheel Hitch to 2025 GMC 3500 With OEM Prep Package
- Shop: B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Search Results: b and w
- Search Results: transmission coolers
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Video: In-Depth Review of the B and W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider
- Shop: B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: B&W Custom Installation Kit w/ Base Rails for 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches
- Shop: B&W Patriot 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC - Dual Jaw - 18,000 lbs
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Does Truck with 6-1/2 ft bed Have to Use Slider Hitch for Turning Clearance with Fifth Wheel Hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: fifth wheel hitch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Search Results: 5th wheel hitch rails
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Article: 4 Steps to Choosing Your 5th Wheel Pin Box
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Search Results: gooseneck hitch
John
1/12/2013
Several 5er mfgs now have tapered front end that allows the trailer to turn and stay away from truck on tight turns. I have noted 2010 etc with such specs. should you obtain one, std hitches are about half price of a slider!