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

Question

Question:

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

asked by: Craig S

1

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

1

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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

Answer 1

Based on the dimensions of your truck and the trailer you can probably execute about 50 degree turns with a stationary fifth wheel hitch. That can be tough and can cause a lot of issues if a shorter turn is required. My recommendation is to replace…

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Answer 2

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 3

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

Hey Andrew! Yes, Furrion does have a Chill Cube model with a heat pump. This was actually just released for aftermarket sale. You will need a complete system to make the switch, new R32 units aren't backwards compatible with old R410A systems.…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 9

Hey Jerry, GM moved the placement of their puck systems starting with 2020 models so you are correct that the pucks would have the hitch not sit directly over the axle. GM did the math and made sure that this placement wouldn't adversely affect…

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Answer 10

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Answer 11

Choosing the right height setting for your 5th wheel hitch is a combination of a few different variables. First of all you want your towing setup to be as level as possible. With your Montana High Country 340BH level you will want to measure from the…

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Answer 12

Hey Melanie. The reason you can't find a replacement for your GE ARC15AACBL2 15,000 btu air conditioner is because they phased them out. In 2025 all RV AC systems had to change over to a new coolant called R32. This was a EPA mandated decision.…

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

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