Does 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 Short Bed Need Slider Hitch to Tow 2016 Solitude 321RL

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Question:

Thanks very much for being so helpful and answering my question. Attached please addition information including a photo of the front of my 2016 Solitude 321RL. Just to double check I also did some measurements. 1. Center of the Kingpin to the front of the 5th is 18" (i.e. measured with string draped down from the front, measured back to the kingpin). 2. Width of the 5th is 101" (i.e. from the center of the kingpin to the front side corner is 50.5"). 3. The front of the 5th is curved. The corner is recessed 15 inches back from the front (i.e. if line a line is drawn parallel with the front and then you measure from that line back to the corner). Just confirming that with this diagram and the measurements your opinion is still the same that I don't need the slider? Also, would you happen to know the weight difference between the 20,000 and 25,000 BW non-slider hitches? Thank you very much for your time and expertise.

asked by: Joe

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I checked out your 2016 Solitude 321RL and since it has a tapered nose and an extended pin box you wouldn't need a slider hitch installed in the bed of your 2020 GMC Sierra 3500. You could use the B and W Companion Fixed Hitch for GM rail kit part # BWRVK3715 and you'd have the best fifth wheel hitch available for your truck as it's very easy to use, reliable, and also made in the USA.

expert reply by: Jameson C

1

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Joe

2/28/2020

Thanks very much for being so helpful and answering my question. Attached please addition information including a photo of the front of my 2016 Solitude 321RL. Just to double check I also did some measurements. 1. Center of the Kingpin to the front of the 5th is 18" (i.e. measured with string draped down from the front, measured back to the kingpin). 2. Width of the 5th is 101" (i.e. from the center of the kingpin to the front side corner is 50.5"). 3. The front of the 5th is curved. The corner is recessed 15 inches back from the front (i.e. if line a line is drawn parallel with the front and then you measure from that line back to the corner). Just confirming that with this diagram and the measurements your opinion is still the same that I don't need the slider? Also, would you happen to know the weight difference between the 20,000 and 25,000 BW non-slider hitches? Thank you very much for your time and expertise.

Jameson C.

2/28/2020

Thanks for the pictures and dimensions! From that I can definitely tell you that you don't need a slider hitch to have turning clearance. Especially since the short bed versions of the 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 is a little longer than most at 6-3/4 feet instead of 6.5 or 6 feet. I looked up the GVWR of your 2016 Solitude 321RL and it at most would weigh 15,000 lbs so the 20k version of the Companion # BWRVK3710 would be more that adequate. Functionally it's no different from the 25k version just costs less since it has a lower weight capacity.

James R.

1/12/2021

I have a 2021 GMC 3500 HD AT4 with the 6'10" standard box. I just purchased a 2020 Jayco Talon 403T with a more ride pin. I have spoken to many hitch shops as well as the RV dealer and I'm receiving mixed information. One hitch shop even told me I can't put a slider in because the pin box will hit my tail gate. Could you please advise if I need a slider or not?

Jon G.

1/15/2021

This is the clearance formula we use to determine if you can make a 90 degree turn or not. Let me know what your measurements are (the ones you can provide) and I can help you see if you need a sliding 5th wheel hitch or not. With a 6' 10" bed you shouldn't have to worry about your pin box hitting your tailgate though. Clearance Formula - (A + B) - C = Clearance A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab B = Length of offset (slider clearance or Sidewinder offset) C = Width of trailer divided by 2 (to get half) You need at least 4" of clearance to be able to make a 90 degree turn.

Jerry P.

3/26/2021

Of you have the new gmc tailgate you can lower the top piece and the king pin won't hit the tail gate as you have plenty of clearance. I learned the hard way and all I would have had to do is lower the top of my fancy new tail gate to clear. Ughh

Gwynn B.

1/20/2026

I have a keystone fuzion chrome and drive a 2020 gmc sierra 3500 hd with a short bed. I don’t use a slider and have had no problems.

Answer 1

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 2

Hello Gilbert. Generally, we do recommend using a sliding 5th wheel hitch for any bed shorter than 8 feet. That said, not all short bed trucks require a slider. It is possible to use the B&W Companion Hitch #BWRVK3710 with the turning point pin…

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Answer 3

For a 2020 Chevrolet Silverado 2500, I recommend the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch part #BWRVK3710 or part #BWRVK3775 over the Curt A20 5th Wheel Trailer Hitch part #C84FR. The reason for this is because the cam-action handle on the B&W…

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Answer 4

Hey Jerry, for a B&W Companion hitch I recommend using a 10 inch diameter lube plate. We have the Reese Lube Plate, #RP83002, which is my top choice, and the Curt 10 inch Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Lube Plate, #16721, both of which will work…

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Answer 5

We're glad you're happy with your B&W Companion 5th wheel hitch. You made a great choice! B&W recommends a 10 inch lube plate. I'd go with #RP83002 which would prevent the skid plate of your hitch from getting all scratched up,…

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Answer 6

Hi Bob; is your Patriot the slider #BWRVK3270 you looked at or the fixed #BWRVK3255? I know you said fixed mount hitch but since you looked at the slider I want to be sure. If it is the fixed hitch you can use the Adapter Rails for Curt 5th Wheel…

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Answer 7

If you're towing most of the time then I would go with the Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System #TGMRCK25D. These will provide the most support for your 2020 GMC Sierra 2500 while towing your 5th wheel. If you're more concerned about…

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Answer 8

The differences between the Firestone Ride Rite #F2613 and the Red Label #F2709 for your 2023 GMC Sierra 3500 Crew Cab Long Bed is the air pressure and max weight capacity. The Ride-Rite #F2613 are rated for 5,000lbs and 100 PSI, where the Red Label…

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Answer 9

The B and W Companion Hitch part #BWRVK3715 does fit your 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 OEM rail kit. Now whether or not it's the correct hitch for you to use comes down to the nose shape of your trailer. If the trailer you have has a tapered nose you…

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Answer 10

Hey Doug, you did you homework and I have good news! Yes you can use the fixed hitch version of the B and W Companion part #BWRVK3710 with your 2024 Chevy Silverado 2500HD because your trailer has a tapered nose which was designed basically for short…

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Answer 11

Hey Justin, I can definitely help with this. I do recommend going with a sliding 5th wheel hitch since your truck is not a long bed. The slider helps with clearance on tight turns. What I recommend is the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/…

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Answer 12

A solution for you is to get the Replacement Base For B&W Companion 5th Wheel Hitches #BWRVB3715. This will work with your factory puck system and will leave your bed rail-less whenever you don't have your hitch in the bed. Another solution…

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Does 2020 GMC Sierra 3500 Short Bed Need Slider Hitch to Tow 2016 Solitude 321RL

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