How to Determine What Fifth Wheel Hitch Head Height is Needed for 2019 Chevy Silverado 2500HD

Published 01/22/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Demco Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Single Jaw - Above Bed - 18,000 lbs

(735)

$1795.00

Demco Premier Series Above-Bed Base Rails and Custom Installation Kit for 5th Wheel Hitches

(12)

$437.51

Question:

What do you consider to be the bottom of the pin box plate

asked by: Craig S

Helpful Expert Reply:

The fifth wheel hitch height you'll need can be pretty easily calculated after taking two pretty easy measurements of your truck and trailer. Measure from the ground to the top of the bed floor and then measure from the ground to the bottom of the pin box mounting plate when the trailer is sitting level. The difference between those two heights is the height you need for your fifth wheel hitch.

Most likely the Demco Hijacker part # DM8550034 that you referenced would work as it has a height range of between 15-1/4 inches and 18 inches. This hitch automatically slides back as you are turning to give you better turning clearance.

To install this hitch in your 2019 Chevy Silverado 2500 short bed will require the install kit # DM8552011-71 and you'd be set. I attached an install video for this kit for you to check out on a similar Silverado as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

click to enlarge

Craig S.

1/15/2020

Thanks for your quick response. What do you think of Curt manual slide hitches?

Jameson C.

1/15/2020

Curt slider hitches are solid. Especially if you go with the new A-Series of hitches like the A16 part # C16521. You'd be really happy with this hitch. It has a new designed jaw system which give it better king pin contact too.

Craig S.

1/22/2020

What do you consider to be the bottom of the pin box plate

Jameson C.

1/22/2020

I attached a picture that shows what the pin box plate is. Basically it's the plate that the king pin is mounted to. This is what rests on the head of your fifth wheel hitch.

Craig S.

1/17/2020

You asked me to measure from the ground to the bottom of the pin box mounting plate, what is the bottom of the mounting plate? Is it where the pin box attaches to the trailer?

Jason S.

1/20/2020

The bottom of the pin box referred to in the expert answer is the location right next to the king pin on your trailer's pin box. The flat part of that box when your trailer is level when measuring from the ground will give you the height your trailer ideally should be towed. This will make sure you can get the closest 5th wheel hitch height so you aren't towing with the front to high or too low. I've attached an article to help further.

Helpful Links

faq-fifthwheel.aspx