Which Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch or Sidewinder to Tow 36-Foot Cougar Trailer with Short Bed Silverado

Updated 02/28/2013 | Published 02/26/2013

Question:

I have a 2010 36ft. Cougar and a short bed Siverado, does it the trailer down to far for the bed of the truck. I am looking at the Reese hitch as well. which one would be better for me

asked by: Jim

Expert Reply:

To select the correct cushioned pin box for your 2010 Cougar 36-foot Fifth Wheel trailer you will need to know which pin box model you have on your trailer.

Most king pins will have the pinbox number listed on a sticker or it will be stamped on the king pin itself. If it is not there or worn off, call the trailer manufacturer with the vin number of your trailer so they can provide you with the pin box number. The Lippert King Pin you reviewed, part # LC158778, is a direct replacement for the Lippert 1621 pin box.

Since you have a short bed truck you may instead want to consider a sidewinder, which allows towing a fifth wheel with a short bed truck without a sliding hitch. Sidewinders do not require you to get out of your truck (to release the slider) before making tight turns and they generally require less maintenance than sliding hitches. Please take a look at the included articles on sidewinders and sliding hitches.

In order to recommend either a Reese slider hitch, or a sidewinder, we will also need to know the model year and version of your Silverado. Please feel free to let me know these details and I will be glad to make recommendations.

I have also included a link to our Fifth Wheel Hitch product page where you can enter your vehicle information to see appropriate hitches for your vehicle.

expert reply by: Adam R