Recommended Fifth Wheel Hitch For 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3L Crew Cab Short Bed

Updated 02/18/2020 | Published 02/17/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(711)

$1795.00

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

(4)

$453.95

Reese Sidewinder 5th Wheel King Pin with Rotating Turret - 20,000 lbs

(43)

$1414.18

Question:

Im trying to find out if I can tow a fifth wheel and what is the pin weight I can handle. 2018 Silverado 1500 5.3L 3.42 4x4 crew cab short bed. I know my payload is around 1500.

asked by: Royce B

Expert Reply:

The maximum pin weight of a truck is not usually a number listed in the owner's manual. You want to go by the maximum trailer weight listed in the owner's manual for your particular truck. Since I am not sure which transmission or if you have a towing package on the truck I cannot The pin weight of a trailer is normally 20% of the overall loaded weight so as long as you stay under your listed trailer weight capacity and payload capacity that is listed in the owner's manual you can tow a fifth wheel trailer. I do recommend to take a look at your particular owner's manual to be sure you have the same capacity listed.

When you say short bed, I believe you have a 6-1/2 foot bed. You will need a 5th wheel slider hitch when you tow a fifth wheel trailer to make sure you have cab clearance when towing. The best option is the Demco Hijacker Autoslide 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part # DM8550034 and rails part # DM8552027-71. The Demco is an auto slide hitch so you won't have to get out of your truck every time you need to make a sharp turn to adjust the slider which can become very inconvenient especially in city traffic.

If you have a 5-1/2 foot bed, we recommend to use a pivoting pin box like part # RP34FR which is a fit for certain pin boxes. A side winder will allow you to make sharp turns without hitting the cab. If you do have a 5-1/2 foot bed please let me know and I can make more recommendations.

expert reply by: Heather A