Can a 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD Duramax Safely Tow a 16K 5th Wheel Trailer

Updated 02/10/2020 | Published 02/08/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Custom Underbed Installation Kit for B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitches

(35)

$599.00

B&W Companion 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch w/ Slider - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(4982)

$1599.00

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

(350)

$247.24

Question:

I have a 2018 2500 HD Duramax LTZ Crew Cab Short Bed. Would I be able to tow a 16000lbs fifth wheel camper?

asked by: Steven B

Expert Reply:

From the info you told me it looks like the max 5th wheel/gooseneck towing capacities for your 2018 Chevy 2500HD is 9,000 lbs for a 3.73 axle ratio or 14,000 lbs for a 4.10 axle ratio. Either way you won't be able to safely tow a 16,000 lb 5th wheel trailer so you'll either need to upgrade your tow vehicle or look into a smaller 5th wheel trailer.

Since it sounds like you already have the truck it would obviously be more cost-effective to keep the truck and just look for a smaller trailer. If you don't already have a 5th wheel hitch then I recommend going with the Curt A16 because it is a solid hitch choice that doesn't carry the price tag of some other options out there. If you have the OEM puck system then you need part # C16668 which comes with the adapter for the pucks, but if you don't have the OEM puck system then you need the A16 hitch # C16521 as well as the in-bed rail kit # C16411-204.

The rail kits are great but if you'd like a clear bed (if you don't have the OEM puck system) then I recommend going with a kit like the B&W Companion # BWRVK3400-5W with the gooseneck hitch # BWGNRK1016-5W. This kit gives you a completely clear bed when you aren't towing just as if you had the OEM pucks on your pickup.

I have attached some videos and installation instructions for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G