Can Stationary 5th Wheel Hitch be Used for a 2020 Chevy Silverado 2500 with 6-3/4 Bed

Updated 06/10/2020 | Published 06/08/2020

Products Featured in This Question

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20,000 lbs

(5035)

$1199.00

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 25,000 lbs

(5035)

$1399.00

B&W Companion OEM 5th Wheel Hitch w/ Slider for Chevy/GMC Towing Prep Package - Dual Jaw - 20K

(5037)

$1699.00

Question:

I have the regular box which is 82 inches which is 6 ft 10 inches that has the 5th wheel prep package. From my understanding from the dealer you can only get the short box in a 1500 which is like around 5 ft 8 inches. 2500 and 3500 are only regular and long box. Knowing that i have a regular box is a slider 5th wheel hitch still needed for rv to cab interference reduction ? Is there a way to measure it to double check.

asked by: Larry

Expert Reply:

We tend to stick with the safe side of things and just recommend using a sliding 5th wheel hitch if you don't have an 8' bed, but we have heard and seen people 5th wheel tow just fine using a non-sliding hitch on a 6-3/4' bed.

We've actually had someone install the standard B&W Companion (available in 20K # BWRVK3710 or 25K # BWRVK3715) on their 2020 Silverado 3500 with the 6-3/4' bed and he said that he was super close to getting his trailer at a 90 degree angle. With that being said, he also stated that he had the Companion stationed as far back as he could get it (45" from center of king pin to his back window) and his trailer is 96" wide with a curved front.

If your towing rig falls in this same category then I say go for it but be careful on severe turns. Otherwise it would be much more safe to use the sliding Companion # BWRVK3775 instead.

You can also use the following formula if you already have a stationary 5th wheel hitch to determine turning clearance:

(A + B) - C = Clearance
A = Distance from center of fifth wheel hitch jaw to truck cab
B = Length of slider/offset/Sidewinder
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.

Attached are review videos for you to check out.