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 Nick, welcome back! Yeah we have the B and W Companion Slider hitch part #BWRVK3775 which fits directly to the OEM pucks of your 2026 Chevy Silverado and will be the shorter overall height you are looking for so that your trailer will be able to…

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Answer 2

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 3

Hey Heath, thanks for reaching out! The Curt A20 #C55DR and the B&W Companion #BWRVK3670 you're looking at are both excellent 5th wheel hitches, but I have to go with the Companion in this case simple because it is more robust and has a…

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Answer 4

Hit the little gray x to the left of where it has the vehicle info listed and you can select a new vehicle. Or hit the change vehicle button to the right. Maybe you tried those already though and it wasn't working? Does you 2025 Silverado have…

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Answer 5

Hey Steve, thanks for reaching out. Yes, you are on the right track. The B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch #BWRVK3710 is the correct fit for your 2026 Chevy Silverado 2500 with the factory 4 puck prep package. This is the fixed, non slider…

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Answer 6

We do have 5th hitches that will fit your 2023 Chevy Silverado 2500 long bed with prep package. I recommend the B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch #BWRVK3710. The Companion features a 1" thick dual jaw which will give you a secure connection,…

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Answer 7

Yes, the B&W Companion #BWRVK3710 does fit into the OEM puck system on your 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500. This hitch has a gross towing weight of 20,000-lbs, and a maximum tongue weight of 5,000-lbs.

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Answer 8

The B&W Companion like #BWRVK3710 is a great product, but we do have some less expensive but still high quality options that would work just great for you. Curt makes some outstanding 5th wheel hitch products, such as their A Series. The A Series…

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Answer 9

There are a few differences between the Curt A25 #C24FR and the B&W Companion #BWRVK3710 that are compatible with your 2021 GMC Sierra's 8-foot bed with OEM prep. First off, the Curt A25 has a 25,000 pound maximum gross towing weight…

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Answer 10

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 11

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 12

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

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