Towing 5th Wheel Trailer with Chevy Silverado 1500 that Has 5-1/2 Foot Bed  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Since your Chevy Silverado 1500 has the short 5-1/2 inch foot bed a combination of a fixed 5th wheel hitch and a pivoting pin box like the Reese Sidewinder on the trailer is required to ensure proper cab clearance when making tighter turns.

For the actual towing capacity of your truck I strongly recommend checking your copy of the owner's manual or by contacting a local Chevy dealer with your VIN. Half-ton trucks like your Silverado don't typically have too high of a limit for 5th wheel towing but as long as you stay under its capacity it will be perfectly safe.

For the hitch itself I highly recommend the Reese Select Plus # RP30928 because of its forged single-piece jaw that wraps completely around the trailer's king pin for an extremely secure connection that allows for a smooth and quiet ride. Its unique 9 inch wide funnel (most just use a 6 inch funnel) also allows for easier hookup.

I have attached a short video review that you can check out as well.

To mount the hitch on your truck you will need a set of base rails and frame brackets. If you can tell me what model year your Silverado is I will be happy to recommend a specific kit.

Then for the pivoting pin box you will need to know the stock pin box number on the trailer (or obtain a trailer that already has a pivoting model). If you already have the trailer please let me know what model pin box it has and I can again make a specific recommendation. This number is typically located right on the unit itself with a sticker.

Just as an example the Reese Sidewinder # RP34FR that you were looking at is designed to replace the Lippert 0719, 1621, and 1621HD pin boxes.

expert reply by: Chris R

0